JACKSON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes
Jackson County Administration Building Auditorium
67 Athens Street
Jefferson, Georgia
March 23, 2017
6:00 P.M.
Members Present
Jeff Perry - Chairman
Marty Clark – Vice-Chairman
Steve Wittry
Nick Bledsoe
David Ayers
Staff Present
Gina Roy – Director
Jamie Dove – Planner
Kathy Holloway – Zoning Coordinator
Jeff Perry, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
Steve Wittry opened in prayer.
Marty Clark made the motion to approve the minutes from February 23, 2017 Planning Commission
Meeting and was duly seconded by Steve Wittry. The motion passed unanimously.
Gina Roy noted there will be an April 27th, 2017 Planning Commission Meeting. Furthermore, Gina Roy
read the public hearing procedures and noted they are located on the table by the door.
New Business –
1. RZ-17-05 – Inland Holdings, LLC, Intersection of Hog Mountain Road/Storey Lane, Jefferson,
GA; 89.71acres; rezone from A-2 to G-I. (Map 079/Parcel 029)
Gina Roy gave the staff report. The applicant, Inland Holdings, LLC, is requesting a rezone from A-2
(Agricultural Rural Farm District) to G-I (General Industrial District) with the intent to use the property
for manufacturing or distribution. The property is located at the SW intersection of Hog Mountain Road
and Storey Lane. The acreage to be rezoned is approximately 89.64 acres. This property recently went
through a map change on December 19, 2016, changing the Future Land Use Map from “Commercial”
and “Industrial” to solely “Industrial”. The Character Map for this property is “Urban”. There is a 40 ft.
natural gas easement that runs through this property. According to the City of Jefferson’s Public Works
Department, public water is available alongside both Hog Mountain Road and Storey Lane. Sanitary
sewer is available within 500 ft. from The Heritage Subdivision on Storey Lane. The DRI (Development
of Regional Impact) study has been submitted and reviewed by planning staff. The final report indicated
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“the development as proposed would not be strictly incompatible with any existing local or regional
plan.” Northeast Georgia Regional Commission received no objection from any of the jurisdictions
notified. Among those jurisdictions was the City of Jefferson. Also, the traffic study was submitted by
WMB Engineering, and reviewed by planning staff. Planning Staff met with Jeff Bridges, Jackson
County Road Superintendent, regarding the proposed project. Mr. Bridges mentioned that for this
project, improvements would need to be made at the intersection of Hog Mountain Road and Storey Lane.
There would need to be a left turning lane installed on Storey Lane for traffic to turn left at the
intersection onto Hog Mountain Road. Also, the intersection would need a right-hand deceleration lane to
turn onto Hog Mountain Road. Mr. Bridges also noted, if an entrance/exit was to be allowed on Storey
Lane, that a center-turn lane would need to be put in place. The 2008 Jackson County Transportation
Study was reviewed by staff. At the time of this study, it was recommended that Hog Mountain Road be
reclassified from a “Rural Minor Collector” to a “Rural Major Collector”, and as a potential “additional
project” for future works. Storey Lane was to remain a “Rural Minor Collector”. Planning Staff
recommends approval with four conditions: 1) A landscape strip, no less than 25 feet, shall be put in
place along Storey Lane. The landscape strip along Hog Mountain Road shall meet the Jackson County
Unified Development Code requirements. These strips must be a mixture of bushes meeting Unified
Development Code standards, trees meeting Unified Development Code standards, and evergreens that
are 8 feet in height at the time of planting. 2) The overall industrial square footage shall be limited to
1,250,000 gross square feet of building(s) space. 3) There shall be a no-access easement placed on the
entire road frontage along Storey Lane. 4) Hog Mountain Road must be improved by the developer, prior
to an issuance of a building permit, to industrial standards along the entire road frontage of the property.
This includes the entirety of the right-of-way (including all lanes) and the intersection of Hog Mountain
Road and Storey Lane. There was discussion between Gina Roy and the board regarding what type
businesses can go in a G-I (General Industrial District) zoning, which manufacturing and distribution is
allowed. Also, there was discussion between Mrs. Roy and the board in regards to how the engineer
gathered information for the traffic study. Mrs. Roy noted that the traffic study information showed
calculations done in regards to trips and also calculations done in the office, thus how they obtained this
information needs to be addressed to the applicant. Furthermore, Mrs. Roy noted to the board that she has
been working with E-911 and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in regards to traffic accidents along
Hog Mountain Road/Storey Lane/Hwy. 129 intersection of Hog Mountain Road in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
In 2015, there were one mail box accident; 2 two-car accidents. In 2016, there were 5 two-car accidents;
1 one-car accident that resulted in death; and 2 deer accidents. In 2017, there were 1 two-car accident; 1
one-car accident; 1 deer accident. These were all within the general vicinity of the proposed property.
Eric Johansen, Inland Group LLC, 2180 Satellite Blvd., Ste. 400-15, Duluth, GA 30097, was present to
represent this case. Mr. Johansen noted that the Comprehensive Plans are not merely guides.
Comprehensive Plans are mandated by the State of Georgia and all cities and counties have to abide by
the Comprehensive Plans and continue to update them. The proposed project meets the 2040
Comprehensive Plan and the current adopted Character and Future Land Use Maps for Jackson County.
All these documents have been reviewed by the Department of Community Affairs; reviewed and
approved by Jackson County; and had extensive public input and opportunities for people to voice their
concerns. The Comprehensive and Future Land Use Plans depicted for the proposed property and this
entire corridor that stretches from Hwy. 129 to Hog Mountain Road and all the way to Commerce, GA
has been industrial since 2008, and certain sections have been industrial before 2008. Thus, the Future
Land Use Map for this proposed property is industrial and has stayed industrial through numerous
Comprehensive Plan updates. The applicant did go through the DRI (Development of Regional Impact)
process. The DRI (Development of Regional Impact) was a requirement of the Future Land Use Map
Amendment change. There were no negative comments from other agencies. The DRI (Development of
Regional Impact) plan was approved by the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission. Furthermore, Mr.
Johansen noted that they are here this evening to rezone the 89.64 acre tract from A-2 (Agricultural Rural
Farm District) to G-I (General Industrial District) for manufacturing and distribution at this proposed site
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on Hog Mountain Road/Storey Lane. At the time of the map amendment, 79 acres out of the 89 acres was
already designated as “Industrial” for the Future Land Use Map. Back in 2016, the Planning Commission
Board and the Board of Commissioners approved the Future Land Use Map Amendment change for 10
acres at the proposed site from “Commercial” and “Industrial” to solely “Industrial”. Then, Mr. Johansen
stated that he would like to reserve the rest of his time for rebuttal.
Bobby Wilkins, 2337 Hog Mountain Road, Jefferson, GA, has lived on his land for 54 years and spoke in
favor of this request. Mr. Wilkins noted that he is fortunate to work on land that his grandparents farmed
and grew cotton on until I-85 came along and split the land. He remembers Hog Mountain Road, when it
was a dirt road. He is on the fence with the changes coming to this area. He would love for things to stay
the way they were, but he knows that is not going to happen. Mr. Wilkins wanted to know where was his
neighbors at when trash needed to be picked up on the sides of the road; when a fence was knocked down;
when Mike Beatty turned his chicken and cattle farm into a residential subdivision; when Mr. Nail’s land
was turned into a warehouse. Mr. Wilkin’s noted that residential and commercial property does not mix
and that’s the reason the land use plan map was put in place. Something is going to happen at the corner
of Hog Mountain Road and Storey Lane. So, if it’s not a warehouse, it’s going to be a subdivision. There
could be a subdivision with 400 homes with an average of two cars per home which will be an addition of
800 cars on Hog Mountain Road and Storey Lane. Additional law enforcement will be needed.
Additional classrooms will be needed for the Jefferson School System, which is busting at the seams. If
the price is right, Mr. Wilkins stated that his property is for sale.
Chairman Perry asked if there was anyone else to speak in favor of this request. Seeing none, Chairman
Perry asked if there was anyone to speak in opposition of this request.
Mike Beatty, 326 Washington Parkway, Jefferson, GA, was present to speak in opposition to this rezone.
Mr. Beatty said he is very emotional about this industrial development proposed on Hog Mountain
Road/Storey Lane. As he was looking around the room, he saw a lot of lives that will be affected by this
development and that this request needs to be voted down. He noted that Jackson County was founded in
1796 by James Jackson with abundant water, rolling hills, and fertile land, which is Storey Lane. The
Bailey’s, The Garrett’s, The Storey’s, The Porter’s, The Blackstock’s, The Beck’s, The Tonge’s, and The
Davis’ are founding families that built this community. These families donated land and money to pave
Storey Lane. It was important for their ancestors to have a safe, secure place to live. There are plenty
places to build a warehouse in Jackson County, other than Storey Lane and Hog Mountain Road. This
development will negatively impact hundreds of families with a great recession. A few will make a lot of
money, but will destroy the value of the land around this development. Mr. Beatty noted that when he
developed their family farm into a residential development, they decided to create an environmental
family friendly community in the Jefferson area with acres of ponds, trails, and green space. The
proposed development will endanger a lot of people in this community in terms of wealth, livelihood, and
their life. There is land and infrastructure near I-85 that is best for this industrial development. Mr.
Beatty request that the Planning Commission Board vote NO on this industrial development. Also, he is
requesting the Board of Commissioners to vote NO.
Bill Carpenter, 2076 Storey Lane, Jefferson, GA, was present to speak in opposition to this rezone. Mr.
and Mrs. Carpenter’s property is located across the road from this proposed industrial development. They
have lived at this address for 51 years, and they love this community. In closing, Mr. Carpenter asked the
Planning Commission Board, “ if this proposed development was going in front of their homes, would
they vote for this development?” Mr. Carpenter stated that he was sure that the Planning Commission
Board would vote it down. Therefore, Mr. Carpenter asked the Planning Commission Board to vote NO
for this proposed industrial development on Storey Lane/Hog Mountain Road.
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There was no more time for opposition. Chairman Perry called for the applicant’s rebuttal.
Mr. Johansen came back for rebuttal. There will be 2 buildings built at this site containing 1.2 million sq.
ft. and 1.29 million sq. ft. The applicant agrees to staff recommendations, except for #3 (There shall be a
no-access easement placed on the entire road frontage along Storey Lane). They propose a right lane in
and left lane out on Storey Lane. Also on Storey Lane, they plan to build a 25 ft. landscape strip with an
earthen berm, topsoil, and evergreen trees. There are DRI (Development of Regional Impact) and Land
Use Map approvals for this site. This is in an industrial corridor that was approved by the Planning
Commission Board and the Board of Commissioners. The 2008 transportation plan stated the Hog
Mountain Road be reclassified from a “Rural Minor Collector” to a “Rural Major Collector”. The
industrial development will upgrade Hog Mountain Road up to a 26 ft. wide road. Mr. Johansen stated
that they are not asking for any variances, no buffer reductions, and no reduction in building setbacks.
They would ask for a no access easement from their curb cut and beyond, so nothing else would occur on
Storey Lane. Also, they plan to rebuild Storey Lane from their entrance on Storey Lane to Hog Mountain
Road. The reason for access on Storey Lane is the possibility of a multi-tenant building, which will make
it difficult to enter and exist the site on just Hog Mountain Road. Both buildings on the property will be
built at the same time. At the time of permitting the buildings, there will be tenants approved to go in
both buildings. This development will be a benefit for Jackson County by bringing jobs and adding to the
tax base. Mr. Johansen request the approval of this rezone.
Jeff Perry closed the discussion for public comments and opened it up to the board for discussion,
questions, or a motion. Then, there was discussion between the board and staff. Nick Bledsoe made a
motion to approve this rezone from A-2 (Agricultural Rural Farm District) to G-I (General Industrial
District) with staff conditions #2 and #4 that reads as follows: #2 – The overall industrial square footage
shall be limited to 1,250,000 gross square feet of building(s) space. #4 – Hog Mountain Road must be
improved by the developer, prior to an issuance of a building permit, to industrial standards along the
entire road frontage of the property. This includes the entirety of the right-of-way (including all lanes)
and the intersection of Hog Mountain Road and Storey Lane. Also, delete staff conditions #1 and #3 and
replacing with the following: 1) A landscape strip, no less than 50 feet, is to be put in place along the
entire property fronting Storey Lane, to include a no-access easement. This strip should also include an
earthen berm that is a minimum of 6 feet tall, a minimum of 12 feet wide at the top, have 3:1 slopes with
matting, and the base of the berm is to be at the same elevation as the pavement of Storey Lane. The top
of the berm must include a variety of 6-foot opaque vegetation that meets Unified Development Code
standards and the slopes must include a variety of bushes that meet Unified Development Code standards.
3) The landscape strip along Hog Mountain Road shall meet the Jackson County Unified Development
Code requirements. This strip must be a mixture of bushes meeting Unified Development Code
standards, trees meeting Unified Development Code standards, and evergreens that are 8 feet in height at
the time of planting. There was no second. Thus the motion died. Then, Steve Wittry made a motion to
deny the rezone from A-2 (Agricultural Rural Farm District) to G-I (General Industrial District) and was
seconded by Marty Clark. Steve Wittry and Marty Clark voted yes to denial of the rezone. David Ayers
and Nick Bledsoe voted no to the motion of denial of the rezone. Thus, the vote was a tie. Then, Jeff
Perry voted yes to denial of the rezone. The rezone was denied. (3-2)
2. RZ-17-07 – Greenland Opportunities, LLC, Joe Bolton Rd., Commerce, GA; 23.99 acres; rezone
from A-2 to L-I. (Map 011/Parcel 006D)
Jamie Dove gave the staff report. The applicant, Greenland Opportunities, LLC, is requesting a rezone on
the subject tract from A-2 (Agricultural Rural Farm District) to L-I (Light Industrial District) in order to
combine with the other five parcels and use the property as a vehicle processing plant for Southeast
Toyota Distributors. The property gains access off of Joe Bolton Road with 40 feet of right-of-way. The
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majority of Joe Bolton Road is gravel and unpaved. According to a letter received from the City of
Commerce, The City of Commerce will be able to provide water and sewer to the property. The City of
Commerce will not be responsible for bringing sewer to their connection. City of Commerce water will
be provided on the Highway 334 side. Staff has reviewed the traffic study that was prepared by John
Karnowski of CALYX Engineers and Consultants. For the proposed median cut on Highway 441, a
GDOT permit will need to be obtained. In addition, any entrances along Highway 334 would also need to
have a GDOT permit. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval with 1
condition: 1) There shall be a no-access easement placed on the entire road frontage along Joe Bolton
Road unless the roadway is brought up to industrial standards along the entire road frontage along Joe
Bolton Road.
Wayne Reece, 4200 Northside Parkway, Bldg. 7, Atlanta, GA, was present to represent this rezone case.
An additional 23 acre tract is being added to the new site for Southeast Toyota Distribution Plant. Mr.
Reece noted that this tract of land is zoned A-2 (Agricultural Rural Farm District), and they would like to
rezone this property to L-I (Light Industrial District). The plan is to work for an additional access to the
development and bring Joe Bolton Road up to industrial standards along this parcel’s entire road frontage.
Todd Miller, 277 Joe Bolton Rd., Commerce, GA, was present with questions regarding this
development. Mr. Miller is renting the property next to the proposed development. Mr. Miller had a
question regarding whether the lighting from this development would be shielded. Gina Roy noted that
this property has additional requirements since it is in the overlay district. The proposed property has
your typical zoning regulations, development regulations, plus the overlay regulations. Within all of that,
the lighting requirements in our code states downward lighting, shielding, and so many lumens. Also,
Mr. Miller wanted to know what the buffer is between industrial and agricultural zoned property. Mrs.
Roy noted the buffer between agricultural and industrial property is 150 ft. which can consist of trees or
bushes, or you can have a 75 ft. structural buffer which can consist of a berm, fencing, or any opaque
material. Our code gives a specimen list of what type trees and bushes with their caliber are allowed.
Marty Clark, Vice-Chairman, closed the discussion for public comments and opened it up to the board for
discussion, questions, or a motion. Then, there was discussion between the board, applicant, and staff
regarding the industrial standard roadway. The industrial standard roadway would begin at the
intersection of Hwy. 334/Joe Bolton Road down through the entire property frontage on Joe Bolton Road.
Gina Roy gave Mr. Reece a copy of the development regulations for an industrial standard roadway.
Furthermore, David Ayers made a motion to approve the rezone from A-2 (Agricultural Rural Farm
District) to L-I (Light Industrial District) in order to combine this parcel with the other five parcels for the
Southeast Toyota Distribution Plant and was seconded by Steve Wittry with the following condition: 1)
There shall be a no-access easement placed on the entire road frontage along Joe Bolton Road unless the
roadway is brought up to industrial standards along the entire road frontage along Joe Bolton Road.
David Ayers, Steve Wittry, and Nick Bledsoe approved the rezone. Jeff Perry recused himself from
hearing this case, as the owner of this property is a relative. (3-0)
3. RZ-17-08 – Traditions Land Group, LLC, Traditions Way, Jefferson, GA; 3.74 acres; rezone from
PUD to R-2. (Map105/Parcel 019N3)
Jamie Dove gave the staff report. The applicant, Traditions Land Group, LLC, is requesting a rezoning of
approximately 3.74 acres (019N3) from PUD (Planned Urban Development) to R-2 (Medium Density
Residential). The 3.74 acre tract along with 2 other parcels, 019N1 (22.98 acres) and 019N2 (21.40 acres)
are an undeveloped section of Traditions of Braselton that was zoned PUD (Planned Urban Development)
back in 1998. In 1998, the proposed 3 parcels were engineered for 71 lots and roads were cleared, but
the development was stalled. Now, they are ready to proceed with selling the property to a builder.
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Currently, there is no PUD (Planned Urban Development) zoning in the Unified Development Code. So,
the applicant is rezoning the proposed property from PUD (Planned Urban Development) to R-2 (Medium
Density Residential) so that they can develop this undeveloped section of the Traditions of Braselton.
The property gains access off of Traditions Way and Jackson Trail Road with varying right-of-way.
Jackson County water and sewer is available for this development. Staff recommends approval with 2
conditions: 1) Connectivity be required; Traditions Way, ending at the edge of Pod V, must be extended
throughout the proposed development and connected to Jackson Trail Road with an approved engineered
plan meeting Unified Development Code standards for the entrance and exit off of Jackson Trail Road. 2)
An additional 20 feet of right-of-way is needed based on Jackson Trail Road’s classification. However,
for this development, the applicant would only be required to donate an additional 10 feet of right-of-way
considering the development will only be on one side of Jackson Trail Road.
Kenny Whitworth, 3173 Mulberry Greens Lane, Jefferson, GA is the managing partner for Traditions
Land Group LLC, who lives in Traditions of Braselton Subdivision. When the Traditions of Braselton
Subdivision was originally developed, there was an approval of 1550 lots. The proposed undeveloped 71
lots were a part of the original 1550 lots of Traditions of Braselton Subdivision. Mr. Whitworth stated
that they are ready to develop these 71 lots. The Planning Staff informed Mr. Whitworth that a rezone
was needed from PUD (Planned Urban Development) to R-2 (Medium Density Residential) before
proceeding to develop. They will utilize the same amenities and green space which Traditions of
Braselton Subdivision currently has. Also, the owners of the 71 undeveloped lots will pay into the
Traditions Home Owners Association and abide under the Traditions of Braselton covenants.
There was no opposition.
Jeff Perry closed the discussion for public comments and opened it up to the board for discussion,
questions, or a motion.
Furthermore, Marty Clark made a motion to approve the rezone from PUD (Planned Urban Development)
to R-2 (Medium Density Residential) and was seconded by Steve Wittry with the following conditions: 1)
Connectivity be required; Traditions Way, ending at the edge of Pod V, must be extended throughout the
proposed development and connected to Jackson Trail Road with an approved engineered plan meeting
Unified Development Code standards for the entrance and exit off of Jackson Trail Road. 2) An
additional 20 feet of right-of-way is needed based on Jackson Trail Road’s classification. However, for
this development, the applicant would only be required to donate an additional 10 feet of right-of-way
considering the development will only be on one side of Jackson Trail Road. Marty Clark, Steve Wittry,
David Ayers, and Nick Bledsoe approved the rezone.
(4 -0)
4. RZ-17-09 – Traditions Land Group, LLC, Traditions Way, Jefferson, GA; 21.40 acres; rezone
from PUD to R-2. (Map105/Parcel 019N2)
Jamie Dove gave the staff report. The applicant, Traditions Land Group, LLC, is requesting a rezoning of
approximately 21.40 acres (019N2) from PUD (Planned Urban Development) to R-2 (Medium Density
Residential). The 21.40 acre tract along with 2 other parcels, 019N1 (22.98 acres) and 019N3 (3.74 acres)
are an undeveloped section of Traditions of Braselton that was zoned PUD (Planned Urban Development)
back in 1998. In 1998, the proposed 3 parcels were engineered for 71 lots and roads were cleared, but
the development was stalled. Now, they are ready to proceed with selling the property to a builder.
Currently, there is no PUD (Planned Urban Development) zoning in the Unified Development Code. So,
the applicant is rezoning the proposed property from PUD (Planned Urban Development) to R-2 (Medium
Density Residential) so that they can develop this undeveloped section of the Traditions of Braselton.
The property gains access off of Traditions Way and Jackson Trail Road with varying right-of-way.
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Jackson County water and sewer is available for this development. Staff recommends approval with 2
conditions: 1) Connectivity be required; Traditions Way, ending at the edge of Pod V, must be extended
throughout the proposed development and connected to Jackson Trail Road with an approved engineered
plan meeting Unified Development Code standards for the entrance and exit off of Jackson Trail Road. 2)
An additional 20 feet of right-of-way is needed based on Jackson Trail Road’s classification. However,
for this development, the applicant would only be required to donate an additional 10 feet of right-of-way
considering the development will only be on one side of Jackson Trail Road.
Kenny Whitworth, 3173 Mulberry Greens Lane, Jefferson, GA is the managing partner for Traditions
Land Group LLC, who lives in Traditions of Braselton Subdivision. When the Traditions of Braselton
Subdivision was originally developed, there was an approval of 1550 lots. The proposed undeveloped 71
lots were a part of the original 1550 lots of Traditions of Braselton Subdivision. Mr. Whitworth stated
that they are ready to develop these 71 lots. The Planning Staff informed Mr. Whitworth that a rezone
was needed from PUD (Planned Urban Development) to R-2 (Medium Density Residential) before
proceeding to develop. They will utilize the same amenities and green space which Traditions of
Braselton Subdivision currently has. Also, the owners of the 71 undeveloped lots will pay into the
Traditions Home Owners Association and abide under the Traditions of Braselton covenants.
There was no opposition.
Jeff Perry closed the discussion for public comments and opened it up to the board for discussion,
questions, or a motion.
Furthermore, Marty Clark made a motion to approve the rezone from PUD (Planned Urban Development)
to R-2 (Medium Density Residential) and was seconded by Steve Wittry with the following conditions: 1)
Connectivity be required; Traditions Way, ending at the edge of Pod V, must be extended throughout the
proposed development and connected to Jackson Trail Road with an approved engineered plan meeting
Unified Development Code standards for the entrance and exit off of Jackson Trail Road. 2) An
additional 20 feet of right-of-way is needed based on Jackson Trail Road’s classification. However, for
this development, the applicant would only be required to donate an additional 10 feet of right-of-way
considering the development will only be on one side of Jackson Trail Road. Marty Clark, Steve Wittry,
David Ayers, and Nick Bledsoe approved the rezone.
(4 -0)
5. RZ-17-10 – Traditions Land Group, LLC, Traditions Way, Jefferson, GA; 22.98 acres; rezone
from PUD to R-2. (Map 105/Parcel 019N1)
Jamie Dove gave the staff report. The applicant, Traditions Land Group, LLC, is requesting a rezoning of
approximately 22.98 acres (019N1) from PUD (Planned Urban Development) to R-2 (Medium Density
Residential). The 22.98 acre tract along with 2 other parcels, 019N2 (21.40 acres) and 019N3 (3.74 acres)
are an undeveloped section of Traditions of Braselton that was zoned PUD (Planned Urban Development)
back in 1998. In 1998, the proposed 3 parcels were engineered for 71 lots and roads were cleared, but
the development was stalled. Now, they are ready to proceed with selling the property to a builder.
Currently, there is no PUD (Planned Urban Development) zoning in the Unified Development Code. So,
the applicant is rezoning the proposed property from PUD (Planned Urban Development) to R-2 (Medium
Density Residential) so that they can develop this undeveloped section of the Traditions of Braselton.
The property gains access off of Traditions Way and Jackson Trail Road with varying right-of-way.
Jackson County water and sewer is available for this development. Staff recommends approval with 2
conditions: 1) Connectivity be required; Traditions Way, ending at the edge of Pod V, must be extended
throughout the proposed development and connected to Jackson Trail Road with an approved engineered
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plan meeting Unified Development Code standards for the entrance and exit off of Jackson Trail Road. 2)
An additional 20 feet of right-of-way is needed based on Jackson Trail Road’s classification. However,
for this development, the applicant would only be required to donate an additional 10 feet of right-of-way
considering the development will only be on one side of Jackson Trail Road.
Kenny Whitworth, 3173 Mulberry Greens Lane, Jefferson, GA is the managing partner for Traditions
Land Group LLC, who lives in Traditions of Braselton Subdivision. When the Traditions of Braselton
Subdivision was originally developed, there was an approval of 1550 lots. The proposed undeveloped 71
lots were a part of the original 1550 lots of Traditions of Braselton Subdivision. Mr. Whitworth stated
that they are ready to develop these 71 lots. The Planning Staff informed Mr. Whitworth that a rezone
was needed from PUD (Planned Urban Development) to R-2 (Medium Density Residential) before
proceeding to develop. They will utilize the same amenities and green space which Traditions of
Braselton Subdivision currently has. Also, the owners of the 71 undeveloped lots will pay into the
Traditions Home Owners Association and abide under the Traditions of Braselton covenants.
There was no opposition.
Jeff Perry closed the discussion for public comments and opened it up to the board for discussion,
questions, or a motion.
Furthermore, Marty Clark made a motion to approve the rezone from PUD (Planned Urban Development)
to R-2 (Medium Density Residential) and was seconded by Steve Wittry with the following conditions: 1)
Connectivity be required; Traditions Way, ending at the edge of Pod V, must be extended throughout the
proposed development and connected to Jackson Trail Road with an approved engineered plan meeting
Unified Development Code standards for the entrance and exit off of Jackson Trail Road. 2) An
additional 20 feet of right-of-way is needed based on Jackson Trail Road’s classification. However, for
this development, the applicant would only be required to donate an additional 10 feet of right-of-way
considering the development will only be on one side of Jackson Trail Road. Marty Clark, Steve Wittry,
David Ayers, and Nick Bledsoe approved the rezone.
(4 -0)
6. Text Amendment - Amending the Jackson County Unified Development Code, Article 11, “Land
Development Activities,” Section 1104, “Soil Erosion, Sedimentation, and Pollution Control.”
The adoption of this proposed text amendment would clarify and revise provisions with regard to
definitions and permits for soil erosion, sedimentation and pollution control. The amendments that have
been supplemented are necessary due to a directive from the Environmental Protection Division. This
amendment will reflect the changes that have been made within the Erosion and Sedimentation Act and
need to be reflected within Jackson County’s local ordinance. Whereas these changes are needed due to
the changing policy, the changes will also help to satisfy reporting for the 2016 Municipal Separate Storm
Sewer System (MS4) Annual Report.
There was no opposition.
Jeff Perry closed the discussion for public comments and opened it up to the board for discussion,
questions, or a motion.
Furthermore, Marty Clark made a motion to approve the text amendment and was seconded by Steve
Wittry. Marty Clark, Steve Wittry, David Ayers, and Nick Bledsoe approved the text amendment. (4-0)
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Meeting Adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
_______________________________________
Jeff Perry, Chairman
________________________________
Date
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