Property Owners Seek Rezoning to Subdivide 2.5 Acres in Local Neighborhood

The Effingham County Planning Board convened on August 12, 2025, to discuss a proposal for subdividing a 2.5-acre property located in a predominantly AR 1 zoned neighborhood. The property owner expressed a desire to rezone the land to AR 2, which would allow for the subdivision and potential sale of portions to interested neighbors and family members.

During the meeting, the applicant explained that several neighbors had approached them about purchasing parts of the property, and they wished to retain 1 to 1.5 acres for their own residence. The applicant noted that the adjacent property is already zoned AR 2, which influenced their request for a similar zoning designation. They emphasized that they were not planning to create a multi-family dwelling but rather to sell the subdivided lots to individuals who would build single-family homes.

However, the proposal faced opposition from local residents, including Dan Sills, who expressed concerns about the potential impact of subdividing the property on the character of the neighborhood. Sills highlighted that most properties in the area are larger than 2 acres and voiced his preference for maintaining the existing lot sizes to avoid overcrowding.

The board engaged in a thorough discussion, weighing the applicant's rights against the historical intent of the neighborhood's zoning. Some members acknowledged the precedent set by nearby AR 2 properties but also expressed hesitation about altering the established character of the area. The board noted that the zoning change would not guarantee the construction of additional homes, as further permits would be required.

As the meeting concluded, the board prepared to deliberate on the proposal, considering both community feedback and zoning regulations. The next steps will involve further discussions and a potential vote on the rezoning request, which could significantly impact the future development of the area.