Commission approves small-lot R‑2 rezoning for two family lots where public water is unavailable

The Paulding County Planning Commission on July 8 approved a recommendation to rezone 29.73 acres from A‑1 agricultural to R‑2 suburban residential for a proposed two-lot division to create homes for the applicants’ children. Staff recommended approval with two stipulations; the commission voted in favor and will forward the recommendation to the Board of Commissioners.

Why it matters: the change will permit two new single-family lots where public water is unavailable, so septic and well separation rules require larger lot sizes and drive the proposed two-acre (approximate) lot layout.

Applicant statements and technical constraints Kurt and Heather Knuth told the commission they intended the two lots to avoid fragmenting land needed by the primary residence; they said the lots would likely be about 2 acres because septic and well separation requirements typically produce larger lot sizes without public water. Planning staff confirmed the minimum lot size in the absence of public water is one acre and that driveway permits and plan review would follow normal county procedures.

Vote and process Commissioner Steele moved to approve with the two listed stipulations and Commissioner Aston seconded. The motion passed with a recorded result of 5–1–1. The rezoning recommendation will proceed to the Board of Commissioners, and final lot configuration and driveway permits will be handled through plan review and county DOT procedures.

Distinguishing discussion vs. decision Discussion focused on septic/well separation distances and minimizing impact to the primary residence; the commission made a formal recommendation to the Board of Commissioners, not a final plat approval.

Ending: next steps If the Board of Commissioners approves the rezoning, the applicants must complete plan review and obtain driveway permits under Paulding County DOT rules before constructing the two houses.