Commission approves special-use request to add manufactured dwelling for Fields family

The Oconee Planning Commission unanimously approved special-use P250305 on Feb. 16 to allow a manufactured second dwelling on the Fields family's parcel in the Agricultural Preservation character area.

Planning staff presented the application for Andrew and Caitlin Fields (Parcel C 07012 HA), explaining the request would add a manufactured dwelling as a secondary residence on a lot that already contains a site-built single-family house. Staff recommended conditional approval with the standard condition that all structures be brought into compliance prior to issuance of the building permit for the manufactured home.

Andrew Fields, one of the property owners, told commissioners the intent is to place a mother-in-law suite on the property to move his mother-in-law in with the family: "We're looking to put a mother-in-law suite on our property, moving my mother-in-law into our property, and that's basically what we're here for, requesting y'all's approval." Commissioners asked whether a temporary authorization carries an automatic sunset under the zoning ordinance; staff replied the zoning ordinance does not impose a sunset on temporary special-use approvals.

A motion to approve the special-use request with the staff-recommended conditions (and the caveat that existing structures be permitted and brought into compliance) was moved, seconded, and carried by unanimous vote. The planning commission will forward its recommendation to the Oconee Board of Commissioners for final action.

The approval is conditional on permitting and compliance work required by the planning department and building inspections; no additional public opposition was recorded on the application during the hearing.