Public turns out in force over proposed UDO changes on chickens and data centers

A lengthy public comment period drew dozens of speakers and at least one resident‑led petition exceeding 500 signatures opposing proposed UDO changes that residents said would limit backyard chickens and roosters and constrain traditional land stewardship.

Multiple speakers described relying on small flocks for food or supplemental income, urged the board not to remove the ability to keep chickens on larger lots and asked for solutions that protect both neighbors in small‑lot subdivisions and farmers on larger tracts. "We don't want Alpharetta. We don't want Peachtree City," said Dave Norton, urging a UDO tailored to Newton County's rural character.

Other speakers raised concerns about proposed data‑center zoning and its water and electric impacts. Several residents asked for greater transparency in planning and zoning outreach — including putting commissioner packets and planning‑and‑zoning items online — and suggested an ethics board and more robust notification for community meetings.

Commissioners repeatedly emphasized the UDO review is a countywide process, not an immediate change to ordinances, and encouraged residents to engage in upcoming ordinance review sessions before any final decisions are made.