Commissioners approve Hurtado rezoning on Bethany Drive with five‑lot limit after drainage and traffic concerns

Lowndes County commissioners voted 3‑1 to approve a rezoning request for a 6.4‑acre parcel on Bethany Drive, changing the property from RA to R1 with a condition that no more than five residences be developed on the site.

The measure, REZ 2020‑51, was presented by county planner J.D. Dillard, who told commissioners the Technical Review Committee recommended approval of R1 based on neighboring lot sizes, availability of county water on the eastern side of Valdell Road and septic viability. Dillard also noted the planning commission had recommended denial, 8‑1, after neighbors raised stormwater, drainage and traffic concerns.

Several nearby residents urged denial during the public hearing. Rodney Smith, who said he lives in Bethany Hills, told commissioners the area has “exploded” with new houses and urged them not to “add even more houses in this area.” Matthew Williams, who lives on Bethany Drive directly across from the subject parcel, said existing infrastructure cannot handle additional development and described recurring stormwater problems on his property.

Applicant Lindsey Hurtado, who identified herself as the builder and owner of La Catalina Properties, said she intends to build stick‑built single‑family homes roughly 2,500–2,750 square feet with about an acre per lot and that she would bore to county utilities at her own cost if development proceeds. Hurtado said her plan would produce up to five lots under the requested R1 zoning and that she does not intend to build accessory dwelling units or place mobile homes on the lots: “Absolutely not,” she said when asked whether mobile homes would be used.

Commissioners asked staff to confirm technical points raised by speakers. Dillard said any development requiring septic would need percolation tests and health‑department approval and confirmed county water extensions to serve new lots would be at the developer’s expense. Dillard also noted the TRC and engineering review would assess drainage and wetland issues if the project proceeds.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve staff’s recommendation with a condition limiting the property to five residences; another commissioner seconded the motion. The motion passed 3‑1.

The decision allows the applicant to proceed with R1 zoning subject to the county’s permitting, engineering and health‑department requirements. Any future subdivision platting, septic permits, and water connections must meet county standards and are dependent on subsequent approvals.