Whitfield County commissioners approve zoning changes, park land purchase, vehicle and equipment contracts and grant award; postpone road-closure decision

Whitfield County commissioners met June 10 and approved a package of zoning text amendments, several equipment and vehicle purchases, a property acquisition for park expansion, and a state grant to support Drug Court operations, while postponing a decision on a proposed road closure after neighbors objected.

The board, chaired by Jevin Jensen, voted 3-0 (Jevin Jensen, Chair; John Thomas, Commissioner; Barry W. Robbins, Vice-Chair) to adopt an amendment to Chapter 15 (Subdivision Regulations) that removes a lot-size exception for family members in the GA zoning district and clarifies family easement exemptions in GA and SA districts. Commissioners also approved multiple text changes to the Unified Zoning Ordinance, including a requirement for preliminary site plans for C-1A zoning requests, a reference to the Georgia Cemetery Act, revised parking standards, term limits for Board of Zoning Appeals members, a revised Storm Water Management Plan review fee, and additions to the permitted use table allowing M-1 and M-2 districts for certain uses.

The board approved purchasing 4.36 acres at 1595 Mt. Vernon Road in Rocky Face for $111,180 to expand…