Planning Commission & Variance Requests

***We have two openings on the Planning Commission -- Please contact Rebecca Mincey if you are interested in serving***

The Planning Commission meets every second Monday of each month at 5:30pm in the planning commission room located at the planning office, unless there are no agenda items for a particular month. The meetings are open to the public. Meeting Agendas are posted online one week in advance. If you are interested in serving on the Lumpkin County Planning Commission, please contact Rebecca Mincey at rebecca.mincey@lumpkincounty.gov or 706-482-2648.

Preliminary Plat Reviews

All subdivision plats Class III and above must complete a preliminary plat review to be approved by the planning commission. In order to apply for a preliminary subdivision plat review, the following must be met. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation will not be accepted. All documentation and payments must be submitted together. The planning department reserves the right to delay applications until all completed information is received. 

• Completed Preliminary Plat Submittal Application 
• Digital or hard copy of subdivision plat with all requirements outlined in Section 26-139 - Preliminary Plat Specifications
• Preliminary approval from the Health Department
• Payment of $75.00 in the form of check, cash or credit card

Final Plat Reviews

All subdivision plats Class II and above must complete a final plat review by the planning commission. In order to apply for a final subdivision plat review, the following must be met. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation will not be accepted. All documentation and payments must be submitted together. The planning department reserves the right to delay applications until all completed information is received. 

• Completed Final Plat Submittal Application and all items on the checklist
• Digital or hard copy of subdivision plat with all requirements outlined in Section 26-166 Final Plat Inspections
• Final approval from the Health Department (Preliminary approval is accepted for Class II only)
• Payment of $15.00 per lot or $150.00, whichever is greater (check, cash or credit card)

Variance Requests

In order to apply for a variance to a regulation in the Lumpkin County Code of Ordinances, follow these steps. Incomplete or inaccurate applications or required documentation will not be accepted. All documentation and payment must be submitted together. The Planning Department reserves the right to delay applications until all completed information is received. Should you need to obtain a copy of your deed or plat, please visit the Lumpkin County Deeds and Records Room.

• Locate within the Lumpkin County Code of Ordinances what the regulation is in which you are requesting a variance
• Determine if what you are trying to accomplish can be modified in order to meet the code
• If you are unable to meet code, determine if your situation is a hardship or a general variance
• Fill out a variance application:
  • Completed applications are due by the 10th of each month to be slated as an agenda item for the following month's meeting
  • Payment of $255.00 (check, cash or credit card)
  • Copy of the deed/proof of ownership
  • Notarized Owner authorization form - applies to applicants that are not the land owner
  • Copy of the most recent plat

Chapter 27 Land Use Variances - Property Owner Consent Agreement Option

If you're interested in starting a business on a subject location, but do not meet the acreage, buffer, setback or screening requirements, you may be able to qualify for that particular activity or business if you gain consent from all neighboring property owners. Please Note Property Owner Consent Agreements are not available to activities or businesses who do not meet road type requirements. Each property owner that shares a property line with the subject property will need to consent. The planning department will call each property owner to verify their signature/approval.