Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pickens commissioners approve small rezoning for Holly Family Trust after assurances on erosion plan
Summary
The commission approved rezoning of a two‑acre parcel owned by the Holly Family Trust for a single-family lot after staff confirmed a Level‑3 soil analysis and an erosion-control plan accepted by the Georgia Soil and Water authority; neighbors urged more protections for downstream properties.
Pickens County commissioners voted to rezone a two‑acre portion of a 21.72‑acre parcel owned by the Holly Family Trust (parcel 045023001) from agricultural to rural residential, clearing the way for a single-family dwelling on the divided lot.
Staff described the proposal as a limited split and recommended approval contingent on erosion‑control measures. Jerry Corey, speaking for the applicant, walked the commission through aerial photos and maps and said the owners performed a Level‑3 soil analysis and brought the results to the county environmental health office. "That soil analysis was brought to the environmental health department... That is a prevent for us to be able approval for us to be able to build a residential home and for the septic tank to be installed," he said.
Nearby residents Thelma and Dana Cable opposed the rezoning and documented what they described as significant tree removal upstream since 2018, attaching photos of turbidity and localized flooding. Thelma Cable said the sediment and runoff are an ongoing problem downstream and asked whether the county would be prepared to replace culverts or reimburse property owners for repairs if culverts fail.
Staff said the county is the local issuing authority (LIA) and must follow Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission and EPD standards. Planning staff said the submitted erosion-control plan met the office's requirements and pledged continued communication with the Cable family and additional county oversight. "We definitely understand their concerns... it's gonna put extra eyes on this situation," staff said.
After questions about hay bales, seeding and inspection frequency, a motion to approve the staff recommendation (including staff conditions that the developer adhere to the erosion-control document) was seconded and carried.
The record shows the board closed the hearing on RZ190685 after approval; staff committed to monitoring compliance and to follow up with the Cable family about enforcement steps.
