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Commissioners approve Hope Ranch agritourism conditional use; applicants licensed and inspected by state and USDA
Summary
Gilvin and Shannon Ballen received conditional use approval for a 30‑acre agritourism operation called Hope Ranch Zoo; the county recorded conditions including occupational licensing and required state and federal animal permits.
The Effingham County Board of Commissioners granted conditional‑use approval on June 17 to Gilvin and Shannon Ballen for an agritourism operation called Hope Ranch Zoo at 1383 George Hurst Road.
Planning staff said the proposal covers about 10 of the site’s 30 acres for public agritourism uses, including animal enclosures, a gift shop and parking. Staff’s written conditions require the applicants to obtain and maintain an Effingham County occupational tax certificate, hold applicable U.S. Department of Agriculture and Georgia Department of Natural Resources/Game and Fish licenses, and comply with Chapter 10 (animals) of the county code. The application states the zoo would run daytime guided tours from roughly 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with seasonally adjusted hours and anticipates 50–75 visits per day on average, with higher attendance on weekends and holidays.
Shannon and Jovan Ballen addressed the board and said the facility is already inspected by USDA and Georgia wildlife agents; Shannon said the couple had passed inspections since licensing and that all animal enclosures are secured with reinforced enclosures and universal locks. The Ballens listed animals in their care including camels, ostriches, emus, zebras, monkeys and lemurs; they said animals are managed with daily enrichment and that public interaction is controlled.
Several commissioners and attendees asked about safety and insurance; one resident asked whether the county required liability insurance for public visitors — staff confirmed operating permits and licensing typically require insurance and the county enforces state and federal exhibitor standards as part of conditioning. Several commissioners said they support the educational value for children. After discussion, Commissioner motion carried with one opposition recorded and the conditional use was approved.
The Board subsequently approved the second reading of the conditional use. The county record notes the staff conditions listed at the hearing must be maintained as part of the approval.
