Resident asks Walker County to halt construction over alleged fire-safety noncompliance

During public comment at the March 26 Walker County meeting, Ginger Barkham asked the board to require planning and codes enforcement to stop construction at 444 East Long Hollow Road, arguing the private drive exceeds 500 feet and therefore must meet fire-safety standards for width and turnarounds under Ordinance 0-02-21 and the Georgia state minimum fire safety standards, Appendix D.

Barkham said the drive was 510 feet long, serves two existing homes, and is now being used to access construction of a third home. She told the board that 'grandfathered' status should not allow intensification of use in a way that creates a safety hazard and that the county would assume liability if emergency vehicles could not access the site. "Allowing a third home to proceed without the safety improvements will create an immediate hazard," Barkham said, and asked the board to direct the planning director to issue a stop-work order.

Commissioner Hart and other commissioners acknowledged the concern, said staff (including the planning director John) had been contacted, and asked county counsel and staff to review Ginger Barkham’s submission and meet with the resident. The board did not issue an immediate stop-work order during the meeting; commissioners requested staff and counsel verify whether enforcement is required and to report back.

Next steps: planning staff and counsel were asked to investigate the claim, meet with the resident, and return with findings; Barkham said she would seek mandamus relief in superior court if the county declined to enforce the standards.