Planning staff backs rezoning of 10.44‑acre Hawthorne Hill tract to allow one additional buildable lot

The Pickens County Planning Commission voted to approve RZ191110, a request to rezone a 10.44‑acre tract on Hawthorne Hill from agricultural to "small ag," to allow the creation of an additional buildable lot.

Planning staff presented an eight‑question analysis under chapter 67‑685 and recommended approval, saying the proposed zoning would be compatible with surrounding rural residential and small agricultural parcels, would not materially harm adjacent property values, and would have minimal impact on public infrastructure. "The proposed classification supports limited residential development while preserving character," staff told the commission.

Applicant Jordan Tinney said he and his family seek flexibility to build a smaller second home on the property for visiting relatives, emphasizing the change "is not to have two homes up there" but to allow family use. "The reason we're seeking the rezoning is to give us flexibility with the property for possibly building a smaller second home in the future," Tinney said.

Commissioners asked standard questions about suitability, infrastructure, and plan consistency; staff reiterated that the request aligns with the county’s comprehensive plan guidance for rural residential character. Committee member (speaker 5) moved to approve the staff recommendation; after a second, the chair called the vote and announced the motion carried and the hearing was closed.

The commission did not record any additional conditions for RZ191110; the staff recommendation and the commission’s approval will be part of the official record for the county commissioners’ review.