Spalding County commissioners on May 20 took separate actions on several residential zoning requests: they denied a request to rezone a lot within a recorded subdivision to AR‑1 agricultural residential, approved a separate AR‑1 rezoning for a three‑acre parcel, and left a special‑exception application to place a manufactured home undecided after the board split 2‑2.

The board voted 4‑0 to deny the application by Timothy Long (application 2515Z/2517V) to rezone a portion of the Buck Creek subdivision from R‑5 (single‑family residential) to AR‑1 and to grant a lot‑size variance. Community Development Director David Allen told the board the parcel is technically part of a recorded subdivision and under county rules cannot be rezoned differently from the subdivision’s zoning; the planning commission also recommended denial.

By contrast the commission approved an AR‑1 rezoning for Amanda and Daniel Gilbert (application 2516Z). The Gilberts’ property is 3.06 acres and already meets AR‑1 minimum acreage, and staff and the planning commission recommended approval.

On a separate matter, applicant Cody Jones requested a special exception to place a manufactured home on a five‑acre tract (application 2505S) to provide affordable housing for family; several relatives and neighbors testified in support. Staff summarized a trend analysis showing most houses in the half‑mile radius are conventional stick‑built; the planning commission recommended denial. After discussion about possible medical‑hardship pathways (which require separate affidavits), the board split 2‑2 on a motion to deny the special exception, producing no action; the application will be returned to a future meeting.

Why it matters: The decisions show the county applying subdivision rules and lot‑size codes consistently while weighing requests tied to family housing and small‑scale agriculture. The split decision on the manufactured‑home request means the applicant may refile or seek a different hardship pathway.

What was said: Amber Payne and Amanda Gilbert spoke in favor of keeping small animals and maintaining a rural character. Payne said, “They’re really nice animals, and we was just really hoping that it could be accepted.” Allison Smiley and other residents urged approval of AR‑1 rezonings as compatible with the county’s rural character. David Allen explained legal constraints tied to subdivision status and lot‑size requirements.

Next steps: The manufactured‑home application will return to a later hearing; applicants who seek a medical hardship to allow an accessory manufactured home can submit the required medical affidavit and supporting documentation for staff and planning‑commission review.