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Habitat for Humanity rezoning and buffer variance tabled to Jan. 5 as code issues remain
Summary
Dawsonville council on Nov. 3 tabled a rezoning request and a related buffer-variance for a 12-unit Habitat for Humanity cottage development, citing conflicts between the proposal and the city's code and comprehensive plan.
The Dawsonville City Council postponed action on a Habitat for Humanity rezoning and an associated variance on Nov. 3, citing a mismatch between current code and the applicants' proposed housing sizes.
Staff presented ZAC2500169, a request by the Spicer Group on behalf of Habitat for Humanity to rezone about 3.13 acres to RCT (residential cottage) for a planned 12-unit cottage development. Planner Sarah McQuade told council the project would provide 3.84 dwelling units per acre and largely meets the RCT district standards but exceeds the code's maximum unit size for cottages. "The code permits a maximum unit size of 1,000 square feet, and what is being proposed is a 1,350 square foot cottage," McQuade said, and staff recommended denial because of that inconsistency and a comprehensive-plan preference for lower density in the residential character area.
Applicant representatives urged council to allow the project. Peyton Anderson said the plan removes two outdated mobile homes, provides open rear yards and sidewalks, and "we're really only asking for two more" driveways than current conditions on Stegall Place. Paul Hunton and other residents spoke in support, saying Habitat's model provides a "hand up" for local families priced out of the market.
Several councilmembers expressed support for Habitat's goals but noted a practical constraint: building permits must comply with existing code if the council does not amend the ordinance. One councilmember said tabling would allow time to consider a text amendment to square-footage standards. Council voted to table the rezoning (ZAC2500169) and the associated variance (VARC2500170) to the Jan. 5, 2026 council meeting so staff and council can evaluate possible code changes before making a final decision.
Next steps: staff will continue work on the zoning-code revisions; the rezoning and variance will return to the Jan. 5 agenda, at which point council may approve, deny or reopen discussion depending on code adjustments and any additional public input.
(Decision: ZAC2500169 and VARC2500170 tabled to Jan. 5, 2026.)
