Past Cherokee County Issues
2030 Comprehensive Plan Available for Comments
Cherokee County has recently completed the first draft of the county’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan and the Plan has gone through a series of eight public hearings held between October 23 and November 2, 2006. The draft document will be posted as soon as it becomes available. Please visit the following link to learn more: Cherokee County Comp Plan Update
read moreProperty Rights Group forms in Cherokee
Cherokee County has a new watchdog group. The Cherokee Citizens for Property Rights (CCPR) began its formation back in October 2006 and officially got on its feet in November/December 2006. The group’s mission is to oppose any action that would limit a landowner’s freedom. The organization will support political candidates that share its views on property rights but will remain non-partisan. Its goals for 2007 include making sure the property right’s position is represented to the BOC, ensuring the county’s...
read moreSubdivision Regulations
At its November 4th meeting, the Board of Commissioners approved the rewrite of the County’s Subdivision Regulations. The BOC had held a reviewed the Subdivision Regulations on August 19th and September 16th previously.
read moreCounty Considers Zoning Ordinance Amendments
At its September 16th meeting, the BOC voted to adopt the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that included revisions to Articles 5, 7, 9, 13, 15 and 18. Specifically, it (1) increases building set-backs from 50-ft on all roads to 75-ft on 2-lane arterials right-of-ways, 65-ft on all 2-lane collectors roads, and 50-ft from 4-lane interstate or arterial roads; (2) modifies district uses related to manufactured home regulations; (3) modifies home occupation regulations; (4) modifies non-conforming uses regulations, and (5)...
read moreCounty Considers Subdvision Regulations
At its September 16th meeting, the BOC held its public hearing on the proposed re-write to the County’s Subdivision Regulations. However, they took no action on the matter to allow for further review and consideration. At its August 19th work session, the BOC held a public hearing on the matter, but the County failed to provide sufficient time for public review of the documents and thus voted to delay the matter and allow 28 days for public comments.
read moreBOC Approves New Impact Fee Rates
At its December 19th meeting the BOC voted 4-1 to increase impact fee rates in Cherokee County. The new rates go into effect on January 2nd. For a single-family detached house, the fee increases from $1,643.53 to $2,012.32 and multi-family units increase from $1,563.40 to $1,830.17. The rates also increase for industrial and commercial developments. For a complete list of fees please see the document below: 2008 Impact Fee...
read moreBall Ground/County to Share Planner
On November 6th, the BOC approved a plan to share a Planner with the City of Ball Ground. The new Planner will serve the City two days a week with the other three days devoted to the County. The position is expected to be filled by the end of January.
read moreBOC Creates a Fire Code Board of Appeals
On July 17th, the Cherokee County the BOC voted unanimously to adopt amendments to the County Fire Code ordinance that created a new Fire Codes Board of Appeals. The Board will serve as a quasi-judicial & administrative board with the power and duty to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the Fire Chief, or designee, related to the suitability of alternative materials and types of construction and to interpret the existing Fire Code. It will not have the authority to amend or modify the Fire Code....
read moreTree Ordinance Revisions
At its regular meeting on May 1st, the Cherokee County BOC received an update on the status of the County’s Tree Ordinance revisions. At the meeting, Commissioner Mahurin requested that the BOC look at hiring an independent consultant to review the proposed changes and provide a professional review of current proposals to ensure that the county is getting the best product possible. Subsequently, the BOC has decided not to hire a consultant and the County has revised the proposed Tree Ordinance. The item was expected to be presented...
read moreEtowah HCP Workshop Planned
On February 28th, Cherokee County sponsored a joint workshop with the Etowah HCP staff that was designed to help local governments address the impacts of the development within the HCP area and promote economically-viable and watershed-friendly development practices. The workshops introduced participants to Better Site Design principles, identified exiting code and ordinance requirements that may be “stumbling blocks” to their use, and laid the groundwork for the development of alternatives based on local issues and needs. The...
read moreBOC Slashes Citizens Roundtable
Recently, the BOC announced its intentions to “shake-up” the Comprehensive Plan Citizen’s Roundtable in an effort to “re-energize” the group. The BOC has decided to significant reduce the number of participants from 30 members down to 15. The BOC became concerned that the groups progress on the developing the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and maps had stalled. The new group will include two appointments from the post commissioners, three from the Chairman, and representatives from homeowner associations...
read moreBOC Considers Senior Housing Ordinance
The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners is still considering the adoption of a new Senior Housing Ordinance. The BOC has held numerous public hearings on the matter but has yet to take action on the matter. According to County staff, the item was being postponed until after the New Year to allow incoming Chairman Buzz Ahrens to have input into the proposed ordinance. Staff will continue to follow the issue closely. Below is a copy of the proposed ordinance and the Council’s official response: Cherokee Senior Housing...
read moreCounty Begins Comprehensive Transportation Plan Efforts
Cherokee County officials held the first public workshop for the County’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan update on December 6th. Citizens were asked for their input on transportation issues affecting the County. Topics included traffic congestion, accidents, multi-modal transportation initiatives, traffic flow improvements, and other areas that would improve the quality of life for citizens. The plan is a 25-yr, long-range planning document that lists future transportation projects anticipated in the future to relieve...
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