Hart County commissioners approve Chapter 46 land-development amendment after heated debate

The Hart County Board of Commissioners on April 8 approved a third and final reading of amendments to Chapter 46 of the county land-development ordinance after extended discussion about lot-size minimums, infrastructure timelines and public costs.

The amendment, introduced during the board's old-business segment and presented by planning staff, adjusts subdivision exemptions and includes new requirements such as mandatory pre-application reviews, minimum parcel sizing tied to health-department standards and a requirement that infrastructure phases be completed within 24 months.

The changes were explained by Miss Kim, planning staff, who said the draft added a provision that where the health department requires more than one acre for a parcel, the larger standard would apply; she also said the ordinance now requires owners to consult, submit sketch plans and related data during a mandatory pre-application review. Kim said she removed an earlier sentence restricting transfers between LLCs at the board's request. She also said performance bonds are…