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Commission approves rezoning for residential care home for girls at Snows Mill Road property
Summary
The planning commission approved a rezoning request to allow a licensed residential care facility for girls at 1370 Snows Mill Road; applicant representatives described therapeutic services, on-site schooling and plans for limited farm-animal therapy.
The Walton County Planning Commission on April 3 voted to approve rezoning application Z250082 to permit a licensed residential care facility (a personal care/home for girls) at 1370 Snows Mill Road. The commission will forward the case to the Walton County Board of Commissioners for final action in May.
Applicant Anna White described the existing program she operates in Snellville and said the new site would expand capacity. "We currently have a home in Snellville, and we have six girls there currently. We actually have been approved for two more," White said. She said the proposed Snows Mill property contains about four acres and would allow a larger facility and additional therapeutic programming, including farm-based activities such as chickens and goats for farm therapy.
White said clients are teenagers from foster care with histories of abuse and trafficking; services include group and one-on-one therapy, schooling on site, workforce development, and safety measures such as on-site cameras and sign-in requirements. She said staff rotate to maintain at least two to three staff members on site at all times to provide 24-hour supervision. The applicant said state licensing and inspection apply to personal care homes.
Commission members asked about the planned animals, schooling arrangements and client numbers. White said the proposed facility would serve roughly six to 10 girls, ages 12–18, and that schooling would be provided on site using partners such as Foothills and Georgia Cyber; she also said maximum stays have ranged from about 60 days up to one or two years depending on placement needs.
There was no public opposition at the hearing. A commissioner moved to approve the rezoning as submitted; the motion carried by voice vote. The commission noted the item will proceed to the Board of Commissioners next month.
Votes at a glance: Motion to approve rezoning Z250082 — Approved by voice vote; forwarded to Board of Commissioners.
