Demorest holds public hearing on land-use code; council extends moratorium to Nov. 15

The Demorest City Council opened a public hearing Oct. 1 on proposed amendments to the city’s Land Use code and heard multiple residents oppose potential townhome development near Long Street.

Mayor Jerry Harkness announced the hearing and said the council would take formal action at a meeting scheduled for Nov. 12, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the Demorest Municipal Conference Center. Ky Kirby of Holly Street asked that his property be rezoned to allow multi-family units, saying he uses his house as rental units rather than a single-family home. Several Long Street residents — including Frankie Smith, Marie Evans, Patti Davis and Allen Evans — urged the council to retain residential zoning and opposed townhomes on the parcel.

City Manager Mark Musselwhite and City Attorney Thomas Mitchell responded to questions about the draft, with Musselwhite and Mitchell indicating the draft could require a board of adjustments or a board of appeals to handle certain zoning matters. Rick Austin of Double Springs Road asked that an agricultural classification be added to the draft code and commented on Table 6-1 of the proposed amendments.

Separately, the council voted unanimously to extend the city’s Land Use moratorium to Nov. 15. Councilman Shawn Allen moved the extension; Councilman Jimmy Davis seconded, and the motion passed 4-0. Mayor Harkness closed the public hearing at the end of the public-comment period.

Why it matters: The public hearing and moratorium extension pause development activity while the council and staff consider changes to the zoning code. The council scheduled a follow-up meeting on Nov. 12 at which any ordinance or amendments could be adopted or revised.

The council did not adopt any zoning changes Oct. 1; the Nov. 12 meeting will be the next opportunity for formal action.