Planning board splits 3–2 to recommend small‑lot rezoning on Robin Road

The Effingham County Planning Board on Aug. 12 voted 3–2 to recommend rezoning approximately 2.5 acres at 13163 Robin Road from AR‑1 to AR‑2, a change the applicant said is needed before subdividing the parcel to sell portions to family members and neighbors. Becky Alford (who said she was representing herself and her husband, Troy Alford) told the board she bought the 2.5‑acre parcel and faces several neighbors interested in purchasing portions. “We are just wanting to subdivide because we, bought this piece of property. It's 2.5 acres. We have several family members that approached us about buying half of it,” Alford said. Planning staff, Miss Chelsea, noted the parcel is currently a nonconforming AR‑1 lot (less than the 5‑acre minimum for AR‑1) and therefore must be rezoned to AR‑2 before property‑line adjustments can be approved. Staff recommended as a condition that Development Services review and sign the plat and that the plat be recorded before zoning takes effect. Several neighbors spoke at the hearing. Dan Sills said he and his wife of 29 years opposed further subdivision because they prefer the neighborhood’s original larger lot pattern. The board discussed the neighborhood’s history and a nearby one‑acre lot that already exists and factored that into deliberations. A board member noted recent code changes affecting nonconforming lots and accessory dwellings and asked staff to be prepared with the record of the corner parcel’s rezoning; staff later reported that rezoning for that corner occurred in August 2018. After discussion, the motion to recommend rezoning passed 3‑2. The item will be considered by the Board of Commissioners on Sept. 2, 2025; Development Services must sign and record a plat before any subdivision or new building permits could proceed.