Pickens County planning panel approves four rezoning requests, including a daycare and a small lodging plan

The Pickens County Planning Commission voted to approve four rezoning requests at its meeting on June 12, clearing the way for small family lot splits, a private Christian daycare in Talking Rock and a small lodging development with an accessory coffee house along Highway 515.

Staff recommended approval for each request after reviewing the county’s decision criteria (Chapter 67, Section 685). The approved items included:

- RZ191144: Rezoning portions of a larger tract near Eagles Purse Road (parcels 069027011 and 06902701) to create a 1.5-acre rural residential lot and a 6-acre estate residential lot to formalize an intrafamily split and create buildable lots; applicant involved identified herself in public comment as Lisa Quint.

- RZ191152: Rezoning a 3.64-acre portion of a 34.46-acre tract off Fisher Creek Road from agricultural to estate residential to allow a single-family residence; applicant Tiana Law said she plans to return closer to family and build a home.

- RZ191161: Rezoning 5051 Highway 136 West from rural residential to highway business to allow a private Christian daycare run by Leah McMillan. McMillan described plans to serve children roughly 18 months to 6 years old, operate weekdays with hours adjusted to demand, and comply with state licensing and county requirements; she said septic, parking, electrical and fire suppression issues had been addressed.

- RZ191162: Rezoning approximately 11.56 acres on Biggins Boulevard in the Highway 515 corridor from rural residential to highway business to allow a small-scale lodging destination with short-term rental cabins and an accessory coffee house. Applicant Dan Greenberg said the concept would feature small one-bedroom cabins (no RVs), a check-in facility and a coffee shop to serve guests and visitors.

Commissioners moved and seconded approval motions for each item; votes were taken by voice and approved as presented. No substantive opposition was raised at the podium for these four items during the meeting. The approvals are advisory recommendations to the Board of Commissioners when that body’s action is required by the county process.

Staff based approvals on compatibility with surrounding low-density uses, consistency with character-area policies, minimal expected impacts on public infrastructure and support for reasonable family- and community-oriented uses. The meeting record shows staff repeatedly referenced Chapter 67, Section 685 in its findings.