Meeting Story

Planning Commission Approves Lower-Density Rezoning for Barnett Shoals Property

On Monday, April 21, 2025, the Oconee County Planning Commissioners met regarding a proposal to rezone nearly 49 acres of land along Barnett Shoals Road. The motion received unanimous approval, moving the development one step closer to final approval by the Board of Commissioners.

The request, submitted by property owner Frank Pitman, sought to rezone approximately 48.96 acres from Agricultural (AG) to Agricultural Residential (AR). Pitman plans to divide the land into 12 residential lots, ranging in size from 2 to 7 acres, aiming to preserve a rural feel while meeting local housing needs.

Many of the Oconee County residents were in opposition to the AR-3 communities and instead desired an AR. Resident of Oconee County, Jawson Lawson, lives directly across from Barnett Shoals road and says he likes the concept of the subdivision. His neighborhood consists of mostly 2 acre lots, or less and many of his neighbors would be in support of the AR motion. 

Real estate agent Alisha Boarders emphasized the demand for larger residential parcels. 

“There is a need for 1- to 2-acre parcels on this side of town. We would love to welcome them to the community,” she said.

Following a brief discussion, the commission instead approved rezoning the property to AR-3, a newer designation created to support lower-density development. The AR-3 zoning requires a minimum lot size of three acres, reinforcing the county’s commitment to maintaining its semi-rural character.

While the initial application requested AR zoning, the Planning Commission voted instead to approve AR-3 zoning. The AR-3 classification, which requires a minimum lot size of three acres, was created in recent years to maintain the county’s rural character while allowing for controlled residential growth. Staff recommended conditional approval under AR-3 to align with the Oconee County Comprehensive Plan, which calls for subdivision densities between three and four acres per dwelling unit in the area. 

The decision reflects broader goals to retain low-density residential development and conserve agricultural land in eastern Oconee County. The comprehensive plan also encourages designs that incorporate features like woodlots, meadows, and mature landscaping to maintain the area's rural character.