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Commission okays several "barndominiums"; applicants must meet exterior-material and setback conditions
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended or approved multiple special exceptions to permit barndominiums and related accessory structures on rural parcels, subject to design and setback conditions and, where necessary, a variance for one shortfall in lot size.
The Spalding County Planning Commission recommended approval or approved several special exceptions to permit barndominiums on rural parcels, issuing conditions on exterior materials and noting a forthcoming variance process for one lot that fell shy of the five‑acre minimum. Commissioners reviewed multiple applications under Section 503.B.25 for barndominiums that combine a residence with large equipment bays: the Marlow family (90 Beasley Road), Jeremy and Joanna Autolonge (220 Amelia Road) and Jared Baker (65 Moon Road). Community development staff confirmed the proposals met size, roof‑pitch and porch requirements, and that several applicants had submitted design elevations showing masonry or stone veneer elements intended to meet the code’s conventional-material standard. Nick Marlow, who said he needs covered storage for decades of farm equipment and wished to combine living space with an equipment bay, told commissioners they would "do whatever we have to do to meet those standards." Staff recommended approval for the Marlows and the Autolonges after confirming updated site plans, and both were approved to proceed to the county commissioners for final action. Jared Baker’s lot measured 4.93 acres, slightly under the five‑acre threshold for a barndominium; staff recommended approval conditional on the applicant pursuing the required variance. Baker’s representative described neighborhood precedent of single‑family homes on smaller parcels along Moon Road and asked commissioners to consider the context; commissioners approved the special exception with the variance condition. The commission asked staff to coordinate the scheduling and variance path so construction timelines are clear to applicants. Across the barndominium items the commission emphasized the requirement that at least 25% of each building face be finished in conventional exterior materials (stone, brick, similar veneer) rather than being entirely metal, and directed staff to verify those materials at building‑permit review.
