SCBC adopts proposed changes to Land Use Ordinances

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners adopted the proposed changes to the county’s Land Use Ordinances during its meeting on Tuesday.

County Administrator Christian Hamilton explained that since the first reading the commission made a few additional changes.

“After the public hearing that was held, the board changed a few items based on the proposed ordinances. The first was in the Article for AR/AG section 59.402. The board added language in item A: not allowing commercial greenhouses in plated subdivisions. The previous documentation listed commercial greenhouses as a permitted use. Article 8—Residential Single-Family District: Language was added not allowing farm animals within a subdivision as defined by the Stephens County Subdivision Ordinance,” he said.

He says language was also added to several other articles.

“Language was added to item D1: removing roosters as a permitted use in RS Zoned properties. Language was added to item D5 referencing objectionable odor as opposed to just odor. The same was added to item D6 as well as requiring perceptibility to be defined by the general public, Stephens County Marshals, Stephens County Sheriff or the lawful designee for Stephens County. Language was also added to item D8, requiring perceptibility to be defined by those of reasonable sensitivity: the Stephens County Marshal, the Stephens County Sheriff, or the lawful designee of Stephens County. And under conditional uses, farm animals and roosters were added,” he said.

Commissioner Debbie Whitlock asked County Attorney Brian Ranck to explain the objectionable odor? Ranck explained that there are different ways to determine if an odor is objectionable.

Whitlock asked if the county would appoint someone to determine if an odor is objectionable.

Ranck explained that the county would appoint a designee, the Stephens County Marshals, Stephens County Sheriff, or the general public.

A motion adopting the changes was made by Vice-Chair Tara Simmons with Commissioner Chris Rickman seconding the motion.

The motion was approved 4-1 with Whitlock voting against it, and Chairman Dennis Bell not using his tie-breaker vote.

Whitlock explained that while the changes make the Land Use Ordinances better, she felt that more changes were needed before it would garner her support.

Commissioner Chuck Wright proposed that the Commission could review the ordinances once a year and make changes as they encounter requests from the public.

To view the complete list of changes to the Land Use Ordinances, click: FINAL Land Use Regulations Changes