An ordinance adopted Dec. 7 by unanimous vote of Fulton County commissioners requires that future subdivisions in Chattahoochee Hill Country maintain at least 40 percent open space.

The amendment to the Fulton County Subdivision Ordinance created separate subdivision standards for the 40,000-acre Hill Country area and is the first mandatory conservation subdivision measure in the state. The only exception to the 40 percent rule in the area will be subdivisions with lot sizes exceeding five acres.

“The unanimous passage of the amendment shows that the commissioners are strongly behind the concept and vision that we have for the Chattahoochee Hill Country Community,” said Commissioner Bill Edwards.

Joining Edwards in his assessment was District 5 Commissioner Emma Darnell, who described Chattahoochee Hill Country as an excellent model for community development and preservation.

Edwards said the amendment accomplishes four protections for the area. Those include minimizing the environmental impact of new development on historic sites and the area’s rustic surroundings, placing limits on land clearance and removal of plant life to prevent erosion and sedimentation, allowing clustering for houses and structures to reduce the number of paved surfaces and utility lines and supporting the development of walking trails and bike paths within subdivisions to allow easy access to neighboring communities, businesses and facilities. The pedestrian and biking concept reduces reliance on automobiles to encourage fuel conservations and promote clean air, Edwards said.

“I’m glad to see the wisdom of the commission in giving a 7-0 vote on this measure,” said Chattahoochee Hill Country cofounder Steve Nygren.

Cooperation between Fulton County and the Chattahoochee Hill Country Alliance over the past three years provided the means for developing the area using “Smart Growth” concepts. Chattahoochee Hill Country is part of the South Fulton 2015 Amended Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the Fulton County Chattahoochee Overlay District Ordinance.

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