Planning board backs rezoning of 13.4-acre Springfield–Egypt Road parcel to AR-2 with access limit

The Effingham County Planning Board on July 8 recommended rezoning about 13.4 acres at 1358 Springfield–Egypt Road from AR‑1 to AR‑2 to allow the parcel to be subdivided into four lots, with a condition prohibiting further splits and additional access points to Highway 21. The recommendation was unanimous and will be forwarded to the Board of Commissioners for final action at its Aug. 5, 2025 meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The rezoning matter was introduced as a request by Jefferson Martin. Planning staff member Chelsea told the board the applicant filed a complete application and provided a concept plan showing four lots. Chelsea said the county’s future land use map projects the parcel as agricultural/residential and that “development services shall review and sign the plat and then the plat shall be recorded so zoning can take effect.”

Board members directed discussion toward vehicle access to Highway 21, which is state‑maintained. A transportation staff member explained the state process: “The GDOT encroachment manual for 55 miles an hour, the minimum driveway spacing is about 350 feet for 55 miles an hour,” and said the applicant must apply for an encroachment permit from the Georgia Department of Transportation and that GDOT would make the final decision on spacing or variances. Planning members said limiting new access points would reduce pressure for variances and curb driveway proliferation at the intersection of Springfield–Egypt Road and Highway 21.

The board made a motion to recommend approval with the condition that the four parcels shown in the applicant’s plan remain as proposed and not be further split; a second was recorded and the motion passed unanimously. Staff reiterated that the rezoning becomes effective only after development services reviews and the plat is recorded. The board emphasized that its role is advisory: the Board of Commissioners will take the final vote on Aug. 5.

The applicant and staff were told to be present at the Board of Commissioners meeting; any GDOT encroachment or spacing decision would be handled separately by GDOT and could affect driveway locations if the rezoning is approved.