A moratorium on tiny home subdivisions in Fannin County has been extended until early January 2022 by the Fannin County Board of Commissioners.
Chairman Jamie Hensley and commissioners Johnny Scearce and Glenn Patterson voted unanimously to extend the moratorium during their regular meeting Tuesday, August 24.
Patterson said prior to the vote, “There are a lot of things to look at” as to the effect of such subdivisions, to which Hensley added, “there are a lot of unknowns.”
Hensley said by continuing the moratorium until the board’s first meeting in January there would be time to research the situation.
The vote came after an impromptu public comment period between a hearing over the county’s millage rate proposal and the regular meeting.
Several residents from the Squirrel Hunting Road area of Fannin County were present to speak out against tiny home subdivisions. Their opposition was fueled by the purchase of a large tract of farmland in their neighborhood, and the rumors a developer wants to turn it into a tiny home community.
Tim Stanton, describing himself as a seven-year resident and 25-year visitor, warned commissioners of such developments, saying, “they go down so quickly.” He described the area that would be affected as one of the “different beautiful places that we all enjoy.”
Residents echoed concerns over water quality, increased traffic on the curvy roads in the area, and some occupants tiny home rentals would attract.
Scearce assured the speakers his intent would be to protect Fannin County and its citizens.
Tommy Williams, a resident of Cutcane Road, sought clarification as to why he was denied permission to build tiny homes on his property. He said he wanted to build two so his family could come to visit but was denied by the health department.
Concerns over water and septic systems, and the requirements for them, were discussed, as well as a lot of size specifications and what constitutes a subdivision.
Williams also brought up his thoughts of building tiny homes on his property in order to provide affordable housing, which is much needed.