Elbert County commissioners approve Stonewall bed-and-breakfast, set conditions on parking, water and inspections

The Elbert County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the Stonewall Bed and Breakfast and Events special use by review (case SUR-2024-77211), allowing a year-round bed-and-breakfast and up to 120 guests at special events on a 1.48-acre parcel near the community of Elbert.

County staff said the proposal would reuse the historic Sacred Heart Church and adjacent buildings for lodging and weddings and that the property is currently zoned Residential-1. The board’s approval includes several conditions recommended by the planning commission and county staff addressing parking, sanitation and permits.

Planning staff presented the application and told the board that the operation would be run by the property owners, using the main two-story residence and a cottage for lodging and the church and outbuildings for events. The application proposes primary event hours beginning in the afternoon, with weddings typically held in the evening and most guests expected to depart by 10 p.m.; staff and the applicants said events are typically expected to wind down between about 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. Portable restrooms and bulk…