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Cherokee County OKs variance allowing five lots to share single access on Sparen Road, with fire‑access conditions
Summary
The Board of Commissioners approved an appeal granting three variances so five lots can use a single shared driveway on Sparen Road, on condition the county will not accept the road for maintenance until it meets county standards and portions serving multiple homes meet fire‑access specifications.
The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 18 to grant an appeal and approve three variances allowing five lots off Sparen Road to be served by a single shared access easement rather than separate driveways.
Planning staff told the board the request would alter requirements in the county's development and zoning rules (including sections referenced in the staff report governing frontage, access easements and rural subdivision pavement and drainage standards). Staff also relayed departmental comments from transportation, stormwater and the fire marshal describing conditions the board should consider if it acted favorably.
The applicant, Walt Lynn Scott, said a single shared driveway would minimize land disturbance and avoid repeated creek crossings, and that a notarized shared‑access agreement recorded under Georgia statute would obligate the property owners to maintain the drive. Scott said parts of the access already exist as a long gravel driveway and a bridge crossing that the owners intend to share.
The board's approval includes two formal conditions: the county will not accept the road into its maintenance system until the roadway is brought up to county specifications, and a second condition requires that the portion of the access serving more than one home be built to a fire‑truck support specification described in departmental comments (20 feet wide, less than 10% grade, an all‑weather surface capable of supporting 75,000 pounds, and an approved turnaround where required). Chair recorded the motion, and the amendment and final motion carried unanimously.
Planning staff confirmed after the vote that the board's intent and conditions were on record and that staff would prepare the written plat notes and covenants required to implement the approval.
The decision resolves an appeal of a Zoning Board of Appeals denial from September 2025; staff said the lots total about 122 acres and are zoned agricultural. Commissioners and the applicant discussed emergency access and the absence of nearby public water for hydrants; the applicant said the plan is to construct to homeowner‑lot standards and to harden the entry area while recording a maintenance covenant that will "run with the land."
