Planning commission advances proposed historic‑property ordinance to commissioners after debate

After a workshop earlier in the evening, the Spalding County Planning Commission moved to forward a proposed Historic Property Preservation ordinance (Appendix P to the zoning code) to the county commissioners for consideration. Staff said the draft ordinance is aimed at preserving three nationally registered properties and the land immediately surrounding them. "This ordinance seeks...to preserve the buildings and the properties with which they reside on," David Allen said, adding that building integrity is linked to the surrounding parcel and that the ordinance is the county’s first step toward a local historic preservation program. Kirk Feldschuhl, attorney for a property owner, objected to portions of the draft that, in his view, would act as an overlay zoning layer restricting uses on the entire parcel and adjacent lots. He said the proposed limits—on allowed uses, lot sizes, and design controls for adjacent redevelopment—are "too restrictive" and could make commercial uses infeasible. Mr. Feldschuhl asked the commission to deny the draft as written. Commissioners and staff discussed examples and precedents from other jurisdictions that balance preservation and adjacent development. Some commissioners said the 200‑foot area of potential effect in the draft is a reasonable starting point to preserve visual and contextual integrity; others urged further refinement before final adoption. After discussion the commission voted to transmit the draft to the Board of Commissioners with the direction that staff continue to refine details, and the draft will be on the commissioners' agenda for the August 28 meeting. The commission’s action advances a local preservation framework but does not immediately impose restrictions until the county commission acts. Staff said future refinements could include clarifying permitted uses, buffers, and an implementation process for a local Historic Preservation Commission.