Highway 92 Map Changes

What does the Zoning Notice sign in front of my subdivision mean?

On December 3, 2019, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and consider approving changes to the Official Zoning Map of Cherokee County for 20 residential subdivisions within the Highway 92 Overlay District. 

What are the proposed Zoning Map changes?

In these subdivisions, the Zoning District for each parcel will be changed on the Official Zoning Map to either RZL (Zero-Lot-Line Residential), RA (Residential Attached) or RTH (Townhomes).  The Planning and Zoning Department visited and evaluated each subdivision to make their recommendations based on the characteristics of each development. 

How can I participate in the Public Hearing?

The general public is invited to attend the Public Hearing during the regular Board of Commissioners’ meeting on December 3, 2019 at 6 pm in Cherokee Hall at the County Administration Building, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton, Georgia 30114.  Anyone wishing to speak must sign up on the list outside of Cherokee Hall before the meeting starts.

Why are the map changes necessary?

On October 15, 2019, when the Board of Commissioners changed the regulations for the Highway 92 Overlay District, the status of these subdivisions was changed to “non-conforming”, sometimes referred to as grandfathered.  The subdivisions complied with all relevant zoning regulations when they were developed but now that the regulations have changed they are considered non-conforming.  Unfortunately, this “non-conforming” status prohibits some types of changes to the homes, such as building additions or decks, that expand the square footage or footprint of the structures.

Will this change affect my property value or taxes?

This change should not change either property values or taxes.  The Cherokee County Tax Assessor considers the use of the property and the improvements (like homes) when evaluating the property.  If a home was already built and occupied, there would be no change to the use of the property so no reason to adjust the value.  There will still be normal property value adjustments based the Tax Assessors’ regular assessment process. 

Are there any benefits to homeowners of these changes?

Designating these properties to an appropriate residential zoning district will allow additions or alterations to homes without need for any variances or special permits.  In addition, these changes also will clear-up any confusion for property appraisers during any home sales and/or refinancing.  Many of these properties are in existing zoning districts that do not match the actual residential use.  For example, one development of townhomes is located on property that is within in the HI (Heavy Industrial) zoning district.