BALDWIN — The Baldwin City Council approved multiple zoning ordinances, ratified a state loan for major water line repairs, and adopted a new 2026 meeting schedule Thursday during its combined work session and regular meeting.
Zoning and Development Actions
Council members held public hearings on three zoning measures — a setback variance for Intown Home Builders in Highland Point subdivision, a zoning ordinance amendment to establish minimum home sizes, and a rezoning request for property owned by Andrew Bellamy and Casey Coker.
Councilwoman Alice Venter outlined the three proposals before the votes, explaining that the Highland Point setback variance would allow construction on several remaining lots in a subdivision originally platted before the 2008 housing market crash.
“We’re very much looking forward to that being finished,” Venter said, adding that the setback adjustment would permit homes to be built slightly closer to the roadway than current standards allow.
Venter said the zoning text amendment would establish a minimum residential square footage of 800 square feet, while the Bellamy rezoning converts a parcel near Dairy Queen from residential to highway business to accommodate a new garage.
Highland Point resident Michael Hutch spoke during the public hearing, expressing concern
that a previous variance in the neighborhood had not followed its stated conditions.
“The last time there was a setback, it was granted because the builder said he was building it to live in it himself,” Hutch said. “That house was finished and not even two months later it was up for sale. It’s the only house in the neighborhood that doesn’t conform with the others.”
Mayor Stephanie Almagno read each ordinance into the record before calling for votes. The Highland Point variance ordinance grants setbacks on three lots owned by Jordan Ferguson — lots one, three, and eight — while repealing any conflicting measures. The council approved the measure without opposition.
Minimum Home Size Approved
Almagno also introduced the zoning ordinance amendment establishing minimum floor area requirements across residential districts. The update to Section 800 of Baldwin’s 2006 Zoning Ordinance sets an 800-square-foot minimum for homes in R-1, R-2, and R-3 districts, as well as for three-bedroom or larger duplexes and attached dwelling units.
The council amended the ordinance during the meeting to include the agricultural district before final approval. Councilman Venter made the motion to approve, seconded by Councilwoman Davis. The measure passed unanimously.
Council Approves Bellamy Rezoning
The council unanimously approved the rezoning of a one-acre tract owned by Andrew Bellamy and Casey Coker, changing its designation from Residential Single-Family (R-2) to Highway Business (H-B).
Almagno said the change will allow the property owners to construct a garage without a residential living space, which the city agreed was more appropriate for the site’s location near U.S. 441. Councilwoman Venter moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Councilwoman Lehman.
Council Splits Meetings Beginning in 2026
The council voted to adopt a 2026 meeting schedule that separates its work sessions and regular meetings into two nights each month.
Beginning next year, the council will meet on the first and third Tuesday of every month. Currently, both the work session and regular meeting are held on the same evening — a format members said makes meetings too long.
Council members said the change will allow more time to research and review agenda items before voting, improving efficiency and transparency for both the council and city staff.
GEFA Loan Ratified for Water Line Repairs
Chief Administrative Officer Emily Woodmaster presented a resolution ratifying a previously approved $545,000 loan from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) to replace a damaged water line beneath U.S. 441.
Woodmaster reminded the council that the city experienced a major water leak in February that was worsened by another rupture over the Fourth of July weekend.
“We requested a $545,000 loan from GEFA to replace that line underneath 441 and restore full service back to the mountain part of our system,” she said. “We were awarded that GEFA loan.”
Although the council had already authorized the mayor and Woodmaster to sign loan documents, Thursday’s vote formally ratified the resolution so it could be entered into the city’s official minutes.
Community Announcements
City officials also announced Baldwin’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. at The TAP Yard on Airport Road. The event will include carols by Baldwin Elementary School’s choir, photos with Santa, cookies, hot cocoa, and free train rides for families.
The following evening, Saturday, Dec. 6, the city will co-host the 2025 Habersham County Christmas Parade with Life Church. The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. and follow a route from Mitchell-Gailey Park to Airport Road. This year’s theme is “The Music of Christmas.”
