CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Habersham County officials continued refining the county’s Unified Development Ordinance Monday, advancing significant zoning and subdivision changes.
Habersham County Planning Director Mike Beecham outlined several key revisions to the draft Unified Development Ordinance, including the elimination of the county’s Conservation Subdivision zoning district. Beecham said the district, which previously required a five-acre minimum lot size, has been removed, and its areas have been consolidated into the Agricultural zoning district, which carries a three-acre minimum.
“So whatever used to be five acre, we just put it in the AG Agricultural District,” Beecham said.
Beecham said the change is part of an ongoing restructuring of the county’s zoning map as officials continue reviewing public feedback and long-range land-use goals.
Another major revision adds a family exemption subdivision provision allowing property owners to subdivide land into up to three one-acre lots for immediate family members. Beecham said the provision was added following public input during recent town hall meetings and commission discussions on the draft ordinance.
The proposed ordinance also includes new language regulating data centers. Beecham said facilities would be required to use closed-loop cooling systems to reduce water usage and limit environmental impacts.
He said the requirement was added after discussions with other counties and an internal review of industry practices.
In addition, the draft includes a new minimum home size requirement of 1,400 square feet for new subdivisions. Beecham said the standard would not apply to family exemption lots created under the revised rules.
The Unified Development Ordinance remains under active revision and has not yet been brought forward for final adoption.
