At the Nov. 4 work session, Cherokee County commissioners discussed a proposed "large‑lot rural subdivision" option that would allow up to 10 lots with a 5‑acre minimum, limit total disturbance (proposed maximum 25% disturbed area), allow gravel roads instead of paved roads and offer targeted waivers or incentives for fire‑service water in exchange for preserving a rural character.

Chairman (speaker 1) described two typical scenarios: family partitions of large farms and traditional developers creating rural tracts. The board discussed whether to require fire‑service water for developments over seven lots (a current code threshold) or permit waivers, subsidies or other incentives. One commissioner summarized the tradeoff as "20 lots is better than 68" — arguing fewer lots is preferable if water requirements otherwise force denser subdivisions.

Fire chiefs advised caution: they said ISO (insurance) ratings depend on distance to hydrants and travel time to stations, and that operating tanker/tender trucks as an alternative entails significant recurring staffing costs. "To staff tenders effectively you'd need multiple units and crews — you're looking at about $1.5 million a year," one chief said. Commissioners explored a mixed approach: a county competitive grant fund (an example figure of $250,000/year was discussed), loans recovered at certificate of occupancy for interior subdivision work, and grants for the incremental cost of extending pipeline capacity for fire protection.

Opponents argued county subsidies for development are politically and fiscally difficult; supporters said targeted assistance could make borderline projects feasible and prevent future proliferation of smaller lots without adequate infrastructure. Commissioners tasked staff to refine options, assess legal limits on funding (including whether SPLOST could be used), and provide more detailed cost models and case examples.