Buford Commission approves two residential annexations with construction conditions, denies Shoal Creek setback reduction

The Buford City Commission on Dec. 1, 2025 approved two residential annexations and set construction standards for future homes while denying a separate request to reduce front-yard setbacks in an existing subdivision.

Chairman Phillip Beard opened the meeting at Buford City Hall. The commission voted 3-0 to annex property on Buford Dam Road (Plat #719) for Gail Blankenship and Patricia Waycaster and to annex the property at 3070 North Bogan Road (Plat #720) for Daniel and Charlene Mathews. Gwinnett County did not object to either annexation, and no members of the public spoke against the requests.

Both approvals include identical conditional standards if new homes are built: a minimum gross heated floor area of 3,400 square feet (exclusive of garage or basement); a minimum two-car garage; four-sided brick or stone construction with 20% accents on front, side and rear elevations (allowed accents listed by the Planning Director may include brick, stone, stucco, rock, shakes, hardiplank and concrete siding); a minimum 18-foot driveway; sodded front, side and rear yards; and two ornamental trees planted in the front yard. For Plat #720 the conditions apply only if the existing home is removed and a new home constructed. Each motion passed unanimously (Ayes 3 Nays 0).

Separately during the public‑hearing portion, Doug Patten, identified in the record with Shoal Creek Subdivision, requested a modification (ZM‑25‑09) to reduce the required front setback from 30 feet to 20 feet for 22 lots on Echelon Drive and Echelon Court. No one spoke for or against the request. The commission denied the modification by a 3‑0 vote.

The public hearing portion concluded after those land‑use items; the commission then moved on to other agenda business.