A new “barndominium” building and the interpretation of some key descriptions in prior and new zoning laws have a group in Greshamville, an unincorporated Greene County city, angry at what they feel is an eyesore for this small community.
Located at 1240 Duval Circle off Route 278, the red, shed-like structure sits in a large field with several empty tractor-trailers, open garbage debris, and wooden outbuildings.
According to Tammy Scott, who lives opposite the structure but not within direct sight, she has taken on the effort to rally the neighbors to form an action group, “Protest 1240,” to question the county on what it feels was wrong to approve a single-family residential permit back in March of 2021.
Scott claims the actions of the county were wrong, and the group wants to hold the county zoning to a strict interpretation of codes.
Many of the neighbors on Duval Circle are elderly, but one neighbor, Randy Upton, has voiced his opinions on the matter repeatedly on the Nextdoor social media app. His property is adjacent to the parcel and was purchased with the idea of building a dream retirement home.
The 9,000-square-foot, industrial-type building was expected to be a cute “barndominium” that some believed would be a residential fit for the area.
Located on a 10-acre plat that was purchased in 2020, the property was believed to belong to a subdivision called “Duvall Farms” at the time, although this could not be confirmed. It is not known if the property still falls under or in a partial subdivision.
The owner, Lawerence Denna, who lives in Del Webb, spoke with his neighbors and described the property as being a small farm operation growing vegetables and other produce in a community farm setting. However, residents believe the structure is currently housing a lamp assembly business Denna is relocating from Chicago.
The group affirms that the structure was approved and built as a permitted single-family residence, with 7,500 square feet intended for a home-based business with an additional 1,500 square feet to be built out. Currently, several 50-foot trailers are visible onsite with wooden pallets and garbage. Two vehicles, both unregistered, sit adjacent to the property.
Protest 1240 was initiated to have county officials meet a responsibility to interpret and enforce ordinances put in place by the county commissioners.
Attorneys have cited laws related to agricultural land, or A1 zoning, as the legal basis and defense for allowing the building to take shape. The group further says that the county is not citing other zoning, building, and subdivision laws that could have prevented the build.
For its part, the county is aware of the battle underway through social media and claims the information being shared is “incomplete and grossly inaccurate.”
The county has commented that the zoning codes and structure’s A1 Agricultural zoning classification allows structures like this to be built and does not prohibit trailers, tractors, other farm equipment, construction equipment, or other similar property types from being located and stored on A1 zoning districts.
The county also asserts that the structure was properly permitted and exists currently as an unoccupied accessory structure in this district. Additionally, the structure has not been issued any type of license or approval to operate as a business in the county. However, the current zoning code does permit “rural home occupations” of certain types and under certain conditions as specified in the zoning codes.
Additionally, the county commented that this property is not located in a recognized, traditional neighborhood. Instead, the parcel is located in a rural agricultural area that is adjacent to a Lake Oconee neighborhood that is zoned LR2, which allows for “industrial building qualifying as dwelling, single-family, detached and accessory buildings.”
Because the parcel is zoned A1, it is the least restrictive zoning classification in the county. It remains to be seen what further action the group can or will take.