Tallulah Falls City Zoning Code

It is the intent of this district to facilitate the orderly and economically efficient development of Tallulah Falls from existing built-up areas outward to the town's perimeter by establishing and preserving areas for low intensity uses such as agricultural, low density residential, and outdoor recreational uses in outlying areas without permitting an intensity of development which would require provision of additional public facilities and services in those areas until the land preserved for non-agricultural uses has been developed to the extent that agricultural land is needed for expansion of urban uses.

1.

Accessory buildings and uses including barns, poultry houses for family use only, and other structures for the maintenance of livestock; storage sheds; implement sheds; roadside stands for the sale of farm products; and similar uses.

2.

Any agricultural or horticultural use, including livestock, and poultry; provided no building or enclosure for the maintenance or shelter of animals shall be located within three hundred (300) feet of any private residence, other than that of the owner, or any public building, and no closer than one hundred fifty (150) feet from any property line. Pastures are not considered enclosures under the provisions set out above. Shelters or enclosures for three (3) or less household pets may be located within the three hundred (300) foot requirement, provided they meet the provisions of the sanitary rules and regulations of Rabun or Habersham County and/or health regulations of the State of Georgia. The definitions of "household pets" other than animals customarily kept as pets shall be determined by the appropriate health official.

3.

Single-family residences including modular and manufactured homes, but not mobile homes, with a minimum lot size of one (1) acre, provided that any new residence, other than that of the owner, shall be located at least three hundred (300) feet from any building or structure used for the shelter or maintenance of farm animals. Modular and manufactured homes shall meet the criteria specified for manufactured/modular homes in the R-I district (section 703).

4.

Home occupation pursuant to the following requirements:

A.

The applicant must be the owner of the property on which the home occupation is to be located or must have written approval of the owner of the property if the applicant is a tenant.

B.

The home occupation shall be operated only by the members of the family residing on the premises.

C.

The dwelling must be the bona fide residence of the applicant at the time of the application, and if approved, shall be valid only as long as the applicant resides in the dwelling, is conducting business and has a current occupational tax certificate.

D.

An occupational tax certificate and home occupation location permit shall be obtained from the city prior to the operation of any home occupation.

E.

The home occupation shall be clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of the dwelling and shall not change the residential character of the building or reveal from the exterior that the dwelling is being used in part for other than residential purposes.

F.

Only vehicles used primarily as passenger vehicles shall be permitted in connection with the conduction of a home occupation.

G.

The home occupation shall not occupy more than 30 percent of either one floor of the principal building, garage or enclosed accessory building.

H.

Adequate off-street parking in a manner consistent with the residential nature of the property shall be provided for the allowed use.

I.

The conduct of the home occupation shall neither increase the normal volume or flow of traffic nor shall it increase either on-street or off-street parking.

J.

Frequency of customer visits and package deliveries to the business shall not exceed that of a typical domestic residence.

K.

There shall be no externally visible evidence of the home occupation, including external display of products or equipment storage.

L.

There shall be no signs on the property advertising the home occupation.

M.

Home occupations shall not create noise, noxious odors or any hazard that may endanger the health, safety, or welfare of the neighborhood or legally require a Federal Alcohol, Tobacco or Firearm License to conduct.

N.

The home occupation shall not involve group instruction or group assembly of people on the premises.

O.

Home office uses shall be limited to professional and routine office, clerical, computer, phone, bookkeeping, or similar procedures which can be conducted by the occupant that is incidental and secondary to the use of the structure as a dwelling unit and do not require regular access by the public, customers, clients, vendors, patients or employees. A home office may also be maintained for a business conducted away from home, as long as the home office complies with all other requirements.

P.

The following uses are allowable as home occupations (not all inclusive): broker, architect, engineer, insurance agent, lawyer, real estate agent, accountant, editor, publisher, journalist, graphic design, construction contractor, landscape designer, surveyor, cleaning service, consultant, computer support specialist, salesperson, travel agent, food caterer, and greenhouse or nursery.

Q.

The following uses are specifically prohibited as permitted home occupations (not all inclusive): kennels, day care centers, home-based day care centers, barber shops, beauty shops, spas, cabinet shops and/or metal cutting; doctors, dentists or other medical professions; automobile repair or related work, and small engine repair shops.

R.

The failure of a home occupation licensee to comply with any of the above conditions shall be reasonable grounds for revocation of a home occupation business license.

(Ord. No. 24-07, § 3, 12-12-2024)

1.

Churches and related activities and cemeteries with the provision of off-street parking facilities.

2.

Customary home occupations conducted within a principal building by persons residing on premises, provided that not more than thirty (30) percent of the floor area of the principal building shall be used for such purpose and off-street parking is furnished.

3.

Greenhouses and nurseries with provision of off-street parking.

4.

Parks, playgrounds, and other outdoor recreational facilities, either public or commercial, with provisions for off-street parking.

5.

Utility company facilities on premises which are necessary for the convenience and general welfare of the public such as telephone exchanges, pump houses, transformer substations, pressure reducers, cable easements, and similar installations. Such facilities shall be landscaped, enclosed by proper fencing, and buildings shall be architecturally harmonious with the surrounding area.

6.

Camping, provided that such activity is limited to personal use of camping equipment, camping accessories, or both, on private property by the property owner or by others with the property owner's permission and without the exchange of any form of compensation or remuneration. Camping as a permitted use hereunder shall not exceed seven consecutive days in duration or occur more than four times per calendar year. A minimum of 14 days is required between each camping period. Property on which camping is permitted shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner. All other uses or activities related to camping shall comply with all other provisions of the Town of Tallulah Falls Code of Ordinances or state law.

(Ord. of 12-5-2019, § 3)

In accordance with article XV of this ordinance.