Fannin County approves two property variance requests near National Forest and Hampton Creek

Fannin County commissioners on Sept. 9 approved two variance requests for private property work: one involving a structure near the National Forest boundary and another for a garage encroaching toward Hampton (Hampton) Creek.

The first request came from property owner Jeffrey McCrone, who sought permission to keep a structure 8 feet from the property line where the adjacent land is administered by the U.S. Forest Service. The chairman explained the county had contacted the Forest Service, which declined to provide a written letter but gave a verbal indication that it would not object provided property owners “don’t go on or across our line.” The chairman moved to approve the variance and a second was given; the motion passed with commissioners voting “aye.”

The second request came from Larry and Jenny Williams to build a garage 35 feet from the centerline of Forge Mill Road on a small lot traversed by Hampton Creek. County staff member Keith Nicholson and other staff inspected the site and advised that a 50-foot riparian buffer applies where the creek runs; staff said they identified the placement they believed best met those constraints. The chairman opened discussion, received no opposition in the meeting, moved to approve the request, it was seconded, and commissioners voted in favor.

Discussion vs. decision: staff described site constraints and a 50-foot buffer; the board formally approved both variance requests during the meeting. The record shows staff outreach to the Forest Service produced only a verbal, not a written, statement; commissioners noted that limitation when approving the McCrone request.

Next steps: approved variances permit applicants to proceed subject to the conditions discussed; the transcript does not record any additional permit conditions or follow-up actions beyond approval.