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Board approves rezoning for Rochester DCCM ministry and retreat center on nearly 498 acres
Summary
Rochester DCCM (Free Chapel affiliate) received approval to rezone almost 498 acres for a ministry and retreat center with chapels, counseling, lodging and staff housing; county clarified tax‑exemption process and commissioners approved the Planned Commercial Development with nine conditions.
The Hall County Board of Commissioners approved a rezoning request from Rochester DCCM to convert about 497.93 acres on Tanners Mill Road into a planned commercial development for a ministry and retreat center, including chapels, counseling and wellness facilities, staff housing and limited lodging.
Bradley Dunkel, representing Rochester DCCM, described the property’s history and proposal. “What we’re proposing tonight is a low impact development that we think meets the goals of the comprehensive plan character area,” Dunkel said, and he emphasized that the plan preserves the majority of the site as open space. Architect Jeff Crocker of BCA Studios told the board the church intends a low‑intensity, landscape‑focused treatment and said the project would preserve extensive tree canopy and natural buffers.
Dunkel and Crocker described the project as a retreat and wholeness center which would not be a new public church campus, not a rehab facility and not open to the general public for daily use. The proposed uses in the narrative include lodging for retreat participants, chapels, counseling and wellness areas, staff housing and limited auxiliary lodging such as cabins and lodges. The narrative and proffers are tied to the planned commercial district approval and will run with the property.
A resident expressed concerns about traffic and about whether a change in ownership or future uses could alter the character if the property later changed hands. Rochester representatives said primary access would be from Tanners Mill Road, emergency access points would remain for other entrances, and the facility plans to use off‑duty officers for traffic control during larger events.
County staff and a commissioner asked about tax status. Zac Probst (county staff) summarized Georgia law on property tax exemptions, citing O.C.G.A. § 48‑5‑41 and the Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) exemption language, and said a qualifying religious organization would apply for exemption and it would be reviewed by the tax assessor’s office.
After the public hearing and staff presentation, a commissioner moved to approve the Planned Commercial Development with the Planning Commission’s nine conditions. The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.
Ending — Commissioners noted the project’s multi‑year timeline and emphasized that future improvements will be subject to standard permitting (fire marshal, building permits, land‑disturbance permits). County staff will monitor condition compliance and the applicant’s narrative will govern permitted uses under the PCD approval.
