Commission approves three zoning variances, including veterans housing in battlefield overlay

The Walker County Commission heard three planning-and-zoning public hearings and took action on each. After testimony the board approved a Baker request for a reduced setback to allow construction of a small home for an elderly family member. The Roberts request to allow more than six homes served by a private drive was approved contingent on demolition of a dilapidated structure so the private-drive count complies with county rules.

The board unanimously approved a request from the Battlefield Veterans Village Foundation to place four manufactured homes on property near the Chickamauga Battlefield overlay, with planning staff noting compliance with state statute requirements for permanent-located manufactured housing. Jack Staples, representing the foundation and American Legion Post 214, said the project would provide 700‑square‑foot units for veterans and cited an on‑site septic limitation that constrained the number of units to four.

Board members asked planning staff to verify address/driveway counts before finalizing the Roberts approval; the Roberts motion included a condition requiring demolition of the dilapidated structure before final permitting. Applications will proceed through normal permitting steps.