Planning commission backs rezoning to allow one additional resident at Hereford Farm personal care home

The Columbia County Planning and Zoning Commission on July 17 voted 4‑0 to recommend that the Board of Commissioners approve a rezoning from R‑1 to S‑1 at 4933 Hereford Farm Road to allow a licensed personal care home to increase its resident capacity from six to seven.

The applicant, identified in the hearing as Dr. Levi McCullough (recorded in the transcript as both “Lehi McCullough” and “Dr. Levi McCullough”), said the modest increase would permit the facility to bill Medicare directly rather than using a third‑party billing agent and argued the building already meets space and safety needs. “Our facility is licensed and regulated by the Georgia Department of Community Health,” the applicant said, and testified the home consistently passed inspections.

Why it matters: The rezoning would reclassify an existing single‑family house that operates as Lily of the Valley Adult Care Solutions so the business may legally increase its certified capacity. Staff advised the commission the billing‑method rationale alone did not justify a zoning change and recommended disapproval; commissioners nevertheless recommended approval and will forward that recommendation to the Board of Commissioners for final action.

Details: The 1.8‑acre property is currently used as a personal care home that opened in November and is licensed to serve six residents; S‑1 zoning would permit the seventh resident. Staff noted that approval would require upgrades to fire codes and a new Certificate of Occupancy from Building Standards to meet group‑home requirements. The applicant said no structural additions are planned and that the house could accommodate up to 10 residents per informal discussions with the fire marshals.

Public comment: A neighbor, Frank Pizzi, spoke in favor, describing property improvements and saying he had not observed problems during the applicant’s operation. Commissioners asked about current operations; the applicant confirmed the home currently serves six residents and lives on the property as required by the existing approval.

Action taken: The commission moved and seconded a recommendation to approve RZ250703 (rezoning from R‑1 to S‑1 for 4933 Hereford Farm Road). The motion passed 4‑0. The record shows the matter will be sent to the Board of Commissioners for final action.

Authorities and compliance: The applicant identified regulation and licensing oversight from the Georgia Department of Community Health; staff noted that a change that classifies the property as a certified group home would trigger fire‑safety upgrades and a Building Standards Certificate of Occupancy.

Next steps: The Board of Commissioners will consider the commission’s recommendation at its Aug. 5, 2025 meeting.