Cobb County chairwoman signals pause to annual comprehensive‑plan amendments during 10‑year update

Chairwoman Joanne told the Cobb County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 20 that staff recommends not holding the usual annual comprehensive‑plan amendment next year while the county prepares its 10‑year comprehensive plan update, which is due Oct. 31, 2027.

"It is the recommendation of our staff that we do not have this annual update next year," the chairwoman said, adding the decision would allow more time for community engagement and avoid making ad hoc, single‑parcel map changes. Philip Westbrook, senior planner with Cobb County Community Development, told the board that changing individual parcels is "not best practices" and that a broader update would better address area character and community input.

Commissioners discussed the limitation of single‑parcel adjustments during the hearing. Commissioner Gambrill specifically asked why staff had not considered a broader area change for a parcel under consideration; staff said the larger 2027 update would be more appropriate for that work. Commissioner Burrell noted that some related matters, such as a traffic signal inquiry for a former church site now used for senior living, had been referred to the Georgia Department of Transportation.

The chairwoman said Director Gwen and Director Grama would work with staff to consult commissioners and the public during the 10‑year update process. No formal change to the county’s amendment rules was recorded in the Jan. 20 hearing; the comment was recorded as a staff recommendation for the coming year’s process.