Planning and Zoning Board recommends rezoning two Social Circle lots to allow single‑family homes

The Planning and Zoning Board of Social Circle met June 23 and recommended approval of two rezoning requests that would allow single‑family detached homes on small downtown lots. Staff presented both cases and recommended the changes, and the board voted to send both rezoning requests forward with unanimous voice votes.

Cody, a city planning staff member, told the board the first request was to rezone tax parcel SC140097 (0 North Dogwood Avenue) from Residential Medium Density (RMD) to Residential District 15 (R‑15) "for the purpose of constructing a single‑family detached home." He said the parcel is non‑conforming under its current RMD dimensional standards and that rezoning to R‑15 would better match the requested use and the character areas shown on the city’s future land use map. Cody said water, sewer and gas service are available and that, because the property lies in the historic district, the owner will need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission before obtaining building permits. "Staff has recommended approval of the request to rezone from RMD to R15," Cody said.

Applicant representative Brian Stamey identified himself as "Ms. Wilkins' general contractor" and said his team will submit a site plan showing the minimum square footage — he said he believed the minimum is 1,650 square feet — along with architectural details when they apply for permits. A project representative added, "our intent with the building of the homes ... is to do something that's affordable. Do something that's well‑built," and emphasized the family’s construction experience and desire to match neighborhood aesthetics.

When questioned about ownership, the applicants said T&D Wilson Properties LLC will be the owner and that they were in the process of purchasing the property; they said the closing was scheduled immediately after the next meeting. The record also notes a homeowner authorization letter was included in the meeting packet.

After limited board discussion and questions — including a brief site inspection reported by members — a motion to recommend rezoning SC140097 to R‑15 was made and seconded; the chair announced the vote was unanimous.

The second request, for tax parcel SC150118 (337 Jones Drive), was presented as nearly identical to the first. Cody said the lot likewise is non‑conforming under RMD and that rezoning to R‑15 would permit the applicants’ proposed single‑family detached use while aligning better with the future land use map and surrounding character. The applicants repeated their intent to build an affordable, well‑built home compatible with the neighborhood.

A board member raised a question about local runoff and drainage; Cody said internal review flagged the need for a driveway culvert sized to help with drainage but that the street department did not view the issue as a major concern. The board then moved and seconded a recommendation to rezone SC150118 to R‑15; the chair declared that voice vote unanimous.

Cody told the board the properties’ location in the historic district means applicants must obtain a COA from the Historic Preservation Commission for exterior design before permits will be issued. He also noted utilities are available for both sites. The board was given a heads up that the July 28 meeting will include three cases: two text amendments and a proposed subdivision off East Hightower and Bond Circle.

Next steps for the two parcels are pursuit of a COA with the Historic Preservation Commission and submission of formal site plans and building permits to the city. The board adjourned after approving the two rezoning recommendations.