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Stephens County commissioners approve two rezoning requests, a variance and award coroner building contract
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Summary
At its March 24 meeting, the Stephens County Board of Commissioners approved two rezoning requests and a variance from the planning commission’s recommendations, set an April hearing on front-yard accessory-structure ordinance changes, declared April Donate Life Month and an amnesty day for April 11, and awarded a $194,500 contract for the Corners/Coroner building.
The Stephens County Board of Commissioners on March 24 approved multiple land-use items and moved forward with a contract to build a consolidated coroner facility.
The board approved a rezoning request from Larry and Charlotte Burns to rezone 1 acre at 57 Calico Estates (Parcel 071 K 090) from residential multi to residential single to combine an encroached lot, the board recorded. Charlotte Burns told the board she wanted the properties "organized" because a previous installation of a double-wide had left one parcel encroached.
The board also approved a variance request for Charles Lancow/Lankow (226 Travelers Point, Parcel 049 D 035) to permit an accessory structure in the front yard, following the planning commission’s recommendation. A variance request from Melissa Dover (9 Pheasant Mountain Road, Parcel 029 D 054) had been presented during the land-use hearing; no public speakers opposed or supported that item during the hearing. The board approved the Burns and Lancow items during new business; the record does not contain a roll-call tally for each vote.
Commissioners heard from Mr. Hamilton that an ordinance to allow certain accessory structures by right in front yards has been prepared and legally noticed; the first public hearing on the draft ordinance is scheduled for the board’s April 14 meeting. The board signaled the change is intended to reduce the need for applicants to pursue individual planning-commission variances.
On procurement, staff presented five quotes to build the Corners Building after determining an on-site sewer connection can be used (a new pump will be required). The low responsive quote was from New Dimensions Construction at $184,500 and other bids ranged up to $288,875; the board moved and seconded to select Martin Construction & Grading for $194,500 and approved the contract award. Kyle Johnson of the coroner’s office thanked staff and commissioners and said the consolidated location will combine office and morgue functions in a centrally located, secure facility to improve operations and response times.
The board also approved a proclamation designating April 2026 as Donate Life Month and asked Tracy Hart of Donate Life to accept the proclamation; the proclamation will be signed after the meeting. The board approved a motion to declare Saturday, April 11, 2026, an amnesty day (allowing citizens to dispose of certain household items) and authorized double-time pay for staff; commissioners noted restrictions such as no construction debris, tires or uncleaned paint cans.
The meeting concluded after the board asked for citizen comment (none registered) and voted to adjourn. For items recorded as approved during new business, the meeting transcript records motions and affirmative voice votes but does not provide a member-by-member roll-call tally in the publicly provided transcript.
