Commission approves variance for three-lot subdivision on Tanner’s Mill Road with shared driveway condition

The Hall County Planning Commission approved a variance on Feb. 17 to reduce the minimum road frontage requirement on Tanner’s Mill Road for a proposed three-lot subdivision on an 8.56-acre tract at 3792 Tanner’s Mill Road.

The applicant, represented by attorney Steve Gilliam, said the owner could subdivide the tract into three lots by right but could not meet the minimum 90-foot road-frontage requirement for a collector road. Staff had recommended denial of the variance because the UDC requires 90 feet of frontage on collector roads; the applicant proposed dividing the frontage equally (about 57 feet per lot) or using a consolidated shared driveway arrangement.

Commission approval and condition The commission voted to approve the variance with a single condition: the two driveways shown on the submitted site plan dated Oct. 16, 2024, shall be connected by a shared driveway that serves all three proposed lots. The motion’s language, entered into the record by a commissioner during the hearing, required that the shared driveway be constructed per the site plan and that the applicant coordinate with staff on technical details.

Why it matters: The variance allows the owner to create three lots where, under strict frontage rules for collector roads, additional frontage would otherwise be required. The commission’s condition — a shared driveway — is intended to reduce curb cuts on the collector road and preserve sight lines and safety.

Next steps The Planning Commission decision is final unless appealed to the Board of Commissioners; if appealed, the Board will consider it at its public hearing on March 27. The applicant must coordinate with county staff before final platting and ensure the driveway design meets engineering and fire access standards.

Provenance This article is based on the staff report, applicant presentation and the commission’s motion and approval recorded during the meeting.