Commission recommends rezoning 100 acres near State Road 1 to agricultural

The DeKalb County Planning Commission voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the DeKalb County Commissioners on Petition 25-13, a request by Lynn and Lisa Reinhardt to rezone about 100 acres at the northeast corner of State Road 1 and County Road 64 from R-1 (low-density residential) and open space/parks to A-2 agricultural.

Planning staff summarized the request, explaining that a map amendment (rezone) does not itself propose development plans and that the A-2 district emphasizes agricultural uses while allowing some limited non-agricultural residential uses. Staff noted the future land use map shows residential mixed-agricultural designations in the area and recommended a favorable recommendation, subject to the standard process of recording any conditions the county commission may adopt.

Applicant Lynn Reinhardt told the commission the property appears agricultural in character and that rezoning would allow families to keep livestock such as goats, chickens and horses consistent with the county UDO. "I think... you would expect it that it was already zoned A-2 because that’s what you see in the community," Reinhardt said.

Neighbor Roxanne Becker objected to the rezoning, saying the adjacent land has a long history of flooding and raised concerns about permitting further construction in areas that have flooded, including citing the 1982 flood. Becker said some auction listings described the property as mini-farms or mini-estates and questioned development expectations. "When we had the flood in 1982... the flood came all the way up to the top of the hill where my parents' house sits," she told commissioners.

Planning staff responded that floodplain regulations would apply to any future development: buildable lots in flood zones must pass the Drainage Board review, and structures would need to meet floodplain standards such as placing the first floor two feet above base flood elevation. Staff also noted a recorded trail easement across part of the property that would remain in force and said the applicant would provide a copy so staff could record the easement in GIS.

After discussion that the rezoning is consistent with the comprehensive plan’s land-use guidance and surrounding uses, a motion for a favorable recommendation was moved and seconded and passed on a roll-call vote. Commissioners recorded affirmative votes and the planning commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the DeKalb County Commissioners for final action.