DeKalb County Planning Commission Holds Public Hearing on Proposed Zoning
The DeKalb County Regional Planning Commission held a public hearing to discuss implementing zoning in the county's unincorporated areas. Most attendees supported the concept, with some citing concerns about future industrial developments like data centers or quarries. The Planning Commission will now seek guidance from the County Commission on whether to proceed.
The DeKalb County Regional Planning Commission held a public hearing to gather input on implementing zoning regulations in the county's unincorporated areas. Tommy Lee, Director of the Upper Cumberland Development District and staff planner for DeKalb County, moderated the session, which saw sixteen public speakers. Lee clarified that zoning would regulate land use, building size and height, setbacks, and lot coverage, but would not cover property maintenance, building codes, interior living conditions, or generally apply to agriculture.
Chris Tramel, a District 2 resident, strongly supported zoning, citing his negative experience living near the Jones Brothers Alexandria Quarry due to noise and dust. He warned against similar future developments, such as data centers or crypto mines, without zoning. Conversely, Fourth District County Commissioner Greg Matthews opposed zoning, arguing it would not stop undesirable developments but merely allow the county to site them in poorer neighborhoods, creating an unequal playing field for residents.
The Planning Commission will now report back to the County Commission for guidance on whether to proceed with developing a specific zoning proposal or to cease the initiative. The discussion highlighted the potential for zoning to provide citizens with forewarning and an opportunity to mobilize against unwanted developments.