During a recent public hearing held by the Cherokee County Zoning Board of Appeals, a significant discussion centered around a proposed variance for a nonresidential development on Northpointe Parkway. The applicant is seeking to eliminate the requirement for a right turn deceleration lane at the entrance of the site, a stipulation outlined in the county's development ordinance.

The ordinance mandates that all driveways providing access to the street must be designed according to specific standards, which include the installation of a deceleration lane for nonresidential developments. However, the applicant argued that the anticipated traffic volume—estimated at 40 vehicles per day turning into the site—does not meet the threshold set by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for requiring such a lane, which is 200 vehicles per day.

The applicant referenced a similar development across the street, suggesting that if the new entrance were designed in the same manner as that of a nearby Chick-fil-A, the deceleration lane would not be necessary. This comparison aims to demonstrate that the traffic flow could be managed effectively without the additional lane.

No comments were received from the transportation department regarding this request, indicating a lack of opposition from that sector. The outcome of this variance request could have implications for traffic management and development standards in the area, as it reflects ongoing discussions about balancing growth with infrastructure needs.

As the community continues to grow, decisions like these will play a crucial role in shaping the local landscape and ensuring that developments align with both safety standards and the needs of residents. The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider the request further, weighing the potential impacts on traffic and community safety before making a final decision.