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Board approves variance on Stringer Road after applicants cite conservation and stewardship
Summary
The Hall County Board approved a variance to reduce required road frontage from 50 feet to 0 feet on a roughly 66-acre tract to enable a conservation-driven reconfiguration and possible conservation easement, despite staff recommending denial for lack of demonstrated hardship.
The Hall County Board of Commissioners voted May 28 to grant a variance that would reduce the required road frontage for a roughly 65.95-acre parcel on Stringer Road from the Unified Development Code’s 50-foot requirement to zero, a request staff had recommended denying.
Staff explained the technical nature of the request and recommended denial on hardship grounds. Beth Garman, representing applicants Patricia Stump and Lawrence Becker (via DCCM), told commissioners the applicants seek a configuration of roughly 12–20 acres that would preserve rural character and make it possible to sell a limited home site to a conservation-minded buyer while placing the remainder in a land conservation easement. “The purpose of the request really is to preserve rural character,” Garman said.
Property owner Larry Becker described decades of stewardship and environmental constraints that he said make typical frontage development impractical: steep slopes, creeks, sinkholes and a history of efforts to maintain the land. “This variance issue is not about 66 acres and roads frontage. It's about history, age, geography, obstacles, property rights, and most importantly, our goal of the permanent preservation and conservation of the entire farm,” Becker said. Becker and his wife also emphasized the family legacy and long-term stewardship plans.
Staff noted the tract is in a rural neighborhood designation and recommended denial under the code’s hardship criteria. No public opposition was recorded. After discussion the board moved, seconded and voted to approve the variance. Commissioners offered well-wishes to the property owners and closed the public hearing.
