County staff working to clarify goal for conservation subdivisions

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga.  – County commissioners, planning commissioners and developers spent a large portion of Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting in a discussion about potential modifications to the conservation subdivision zoning designation.

Much of the discussion on a conflict between the purpose and intent vs. strict performance standards that are written into the UDC. Developers submit their plans according to the county’s performance standards but the project may not meet the purpose and intent

District 4 Planning Commissioner Nedal Shawkat explained  that secondary conservation areas must be five acres or more with a minimum width of 25 feet. Also, 85 percent of the lots must directly abut open space. Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills said, “It seems like we would better off if we gave them a little bit of flexibility rather than be so rigid.”

Shawkat agreed. “Getting away from the rigid standards perhaps in a way we may be uncomfortable with is something we need to do in order to make this a category that will really work .If it is done right, it can be a great thing for the community.”

Commissioner Todd Levent recommended lowering the 85 percent to 40-50 percent. “They would still have to meet the green space minimum but let them create pocket parks.”

After an hour long conversation the Board kicked the ball back into the planning commission’s yard, directing they “work with land planners and the development community to identify the overall goal for a conservation Res 2 and have the county UDC Chapter 19 written to accomplish that goal.”

Once a clear goal is established, it will return to the Board of Commissioners and a public hearing will be set.