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Gordon County planning commission approves variance and three rezoning recommendations, forwards matters to county board
Summary
The commission approved variance VAR-2026-001 to recognize access to a landlocked 157-acre parcel and recommended approval of two additional rezoning requests (RZ-2026-006 and RZ-2026-007) to the Board of Commissioners; the Fowler rezoning drew a utilities safety comment about a nearby surge tank and raw water main.
At its March 9, 2026 meeting the Gordon County Planning Commission approved a variance and recommended approval of two rezoning requests, forwarding those recommendations to the Gordon County Board of Commissioners.
Variance VAR-2026-001: The commission approved a variance requested by Robert Hopper of Hopper Mountain Farm, LLC to reduce minimum public road frontage requirements for a 157-acre tract at 861 Highway 411 in order to recognize lawful access by a legally recorded access easement. Tommy Hibberts moved to approve, Thomas Schwartz seconded, and the vote was unanimous. The commission explained a 30-day appeal period for that variance.
Rezoning RZ-2026-006: Ben and Betty Lohman requested rezoning of 4.88 acres at 625 Ocelot Trail from A-1 to RA-1 to align the parcel with the Future Development Map designation of Hillside Conservation. Jerry Lovelace moved to recommend approval, Tommy Hibberts seconded, and the commission voted unanimously to forward the recommendation to the Board of Commissioners.
Rezoning RZ-2026-007: David Fowler requested rezoning of 1.00 acre at 227 Newtown Road from A-1 to C-G for a commercial office and warehouse. Calhoun Utilities highlighted the proximity of a 120-foot-tall surge tank and a critical 30-inch raw water line across the street and warned damage could cause massive outages. Fowler said he has extensive construction experience, has developed 58 townhomes on adjoining property, and is familiar with the water line location. The commission moved to recommend approval and forwarded the matter to the Board.
Procedural items: The commission approved the minutes of the February 9, 2026 meeting and Zoning Administrator Tony Ross said he is working with county attorneys on a new set of bylaws. The meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m.
