Categories: News

Commissioners Give Warning to Variance Violators and Place Moratorium on Waste Transfer Stations

There were other items besides chimpanzees on the Commissioners’ agenda at Fannin County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday, August 9^th.

The Commissioners decided on five variance requests. They voted against Jon Graves application to build a garage on his property in Black Ridge Gum subdivision. Commission Chairman Bill Simonds had met with Mr. Graves at his property some time ago before Mr. Graves submitted his request. Mr. Simonds told him at that time there wasn’t enough room on his property to build the structure without violating setback and easement rules. Mr. Graves built anyway without a variance. He carved out a large chunk of earth immediately next to the road. Seven subdivision residents wrote a letter to the Board of Commissioners asking that Mr. Graves not be given a variance because he was violating Homeowner’s Association Covenants. When the Commissioners voted on the variance, Post-Commissioner Sosebee said that Mr. Graves should not have started building without the permit. All three Commissioners voted against approving the variance. Mr. Sosebee concluded with ordering Mr. Graves to replenish and repair the missing earth.

The Commissioners voted to approve John Chapman’s request to renovate the old Epworth Store at the corner of Mandola and Old Epworth Road. Mr. Chapman wants to turn the site into 12 apartments. The Commissioners also agreed that Tony and Lynn Davenport could place a garage structure closer to the centerline of South Old Aska Trail. Mr. Sosebee had no problem with it, especially since it is property the family has owned for a considerable amount of time. River Ridge Properties also received a variance to build one house closer to the street due to the property’s grade.

The Commissioners decided to put a nine-month moratorium on additional centers where residents can drop off trash and recycling. Post-Commissioner Johnson said that the county needs to get some standards in place before allowing any waste transfer stations. He believes that nine months is enough time to develop those standards.

The Commissioners also voted to close the COP fund since there was only about $300 in the account. The Commissioners re-appointed Johnny Chastain and George Slusser to the Development Authority Board. The Commissioners were unable to award the bid for Fire Station #3 additions because no bids had been submitted.

The Board of Commissioners meets next on Tuesday, August 23^rd at the Fannin County Courthouse at 6 pm.