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Dawsonville council approves $42,000 ordinance review after developer raises ‘semi‑detached’ zoning concern
Summary
The council approved a $42,000 contract with Clark Patterson Lee to review zoning and land‑development regulations after public comments raised questions about the undefined term “semi‑detached” and a developer’s revised proposal and land donation.
The Dawsonville City Council approved a $42,000 contract with Clark Patterson Lee (CPL) to review city zoning ordinances and related land‑development regulations, following public comment that asked the council to clarify the undefined term “semi‑detached.”
Developer Michael Miller told the council he withdrew an earlier higher‑density application after staff and consultants identified conflicts in the city ordinances. Miller said his revised proposal reduced density by about 40 percent, added property to the project, and included a donation of 10 acres for a Maple Street extension. “We are now coming back with fewer lots, more property, a 40% reduction in the density that we had originally proposed,” Miller said.
The council heard that the third‑party staff report recommended denial largely because the ordinance lacks a clear definition of “semi‑detached.” Miller said the city attorney later discussed the term with CPL and that CPL agreed “semi detached qualifies as multifamily,” a clarification Miller said should prompt a revised staff report. Miller also showed maps and said the parcel he offered to donate to the city “doesn't have any flood plain.”
Community member Corey Guthrie urged the council to consider forming a committee or otherwise involving local residents and professionals in code changes. “We would also be happy to be on a committee,” Guthrie said, offering local experience to the process.
Staff presented two CPL options: Option 1 covers zoning ordinances (subpart B) for $33,000; Option 2 would add appendix A and the existing land‑development regulations (subpart B) for $42,000. Staff recommended Option 2 and said funding is available in the budget. Council member Mark French moved to approve Option 2; Council member Kayla Phillips seconded. The motion passed.
Why it matters: The CPL review will reexamine zoning definitions and the city’s land‑development rules. Council members discussed involving local engineers and developers and posting draft documents publicly to solicit wider input as the revisions proceed.
The council did not adopt new zoning language at the meeting; it approved the consultant contract to perform the review and data collection called for in Option 2.
