Board recommends denial for Michael Mallard’s Clitoe Road rezoning after neighbors cite infrastructure and safety concerns

The Bulloch County Planning & Zoning Board voted to recommend denial of Michael Mallard’s application to rezone about 24.4 acres on Clitoe Road from AG-5 to R-80 for a single-family subdivision.

Planning staff summarized the request, noting the parcel’s existing pattern of four houses and the applicant’s intent to add up to nine lots accessed via a private interior road. The applicant said he would build the houses and maintain a private road; he told the board he “does everything myself” and plans to build over several years.

Several nearby residents said the area’s roads and services cannot sustain additional development. “The infrastructure can’t support it,” said Steven Sowell, who described increased traffic and multiple subdivisions already planned nearby. Dean Roberts, who lives across the field, said homes already built there “don’t fit the surroundings” and expressed concerns about rental properties affecting neighborhood character. Mary Jones and others cited safety and privacy concerns.

Planning staff recommended conditions and noted the proposal could be built under existing AG-5 lot rules via flag lots; the applicant said he supplies water and septic for the existing houses and would continue to do so. After public comment, board members moved to recommend denial; the recommendation will go to the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners for final action.

Why it matters: Residents raised common rural zoning concerns — road capacity, traffic safety, school and emergency services — against the applicant’s contention that the project responds to local housing demand.

Next steps: The item is scheduled for a public hearing before the county commissioners on July 1.