Elbert County approves Goodman rezoning for 40-acre Parcel F

The Elbert County Board of County Commissioners on May 14 approved a rezoning application from Kathy Goodman to change Parcel F (parcel number 6425400002), just over 40 acres, from Agriculture to Residential Agriculture (RZ2023-00026).

Kelsey Lanham, land use planner with the Elbert County Planning Department, presented the application and staff findings. Lanham said the parcel is part of the Freedom Valley Ranch subdivision and noted the county’s review found the application consistent with the Elbert County Comprehensive Plan and with surrounding land uses. "The only difference between an RA and an AR property is 1 development standard, which is the minimum lot width requirement," Lanham said, explaining RA minimum lot width is 200 feet versus 250 feet for AR.

The staff report recommended approval with conditions. Those conditions require the applicant to remove posted signs within two weeks of the decision, ensure all fees are paid before the rezoning becomes effective, and record the rezone exhibit and associated documents within 180 days of Board approval.

Kathy Goodman, the applicant, spoke at the podium and described the proposed development as a buffer of larger lots between nearby smaller-lot subdivisions. "I think it will add a lot to the community by being larger lots," Goodman said.

The Board opened and closed the public hearing and then voted to approve the rezoning. Commissioners recorded their support with the customary "aye" votes and the motion carried.

Next steps for the applicant include payment of required fees and recordation of the rezone exhibit and documentation; the rezoning will not be effective until those conditions are met.

No member-level roll-call vote totals were read into the record for this item; the transcript records the motion, the public hearing, staff presentation and applicant remarks, and that the motion carried.