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Interfaith group plans assembly to speak against political violence JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
The Forsyth County Commission convenes Dec. 18 to consider a vote on proposed changes to the Unified Development Code’s design standards for the northern half of the county.
Forsyth County considers update to residential design rules in north By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Commission is planning to update rules dictating the look and construction of new neighborhoods in the northern part of the county amid a housing pause. At its Dec. 18 meeting, the Forsyth County Commission authorized staff to proceed with changes to the Unified Development Code north design standards. The changes would apply to parts of the county north of the City of Cumming, including the Etowah, Sawnee Mountain, North Ga. 400, Jot Em Down character areas and most of the Lanier character area. The changes are a part of
ROI
a series of zoning and code updates commissioners are reviewing during a moratorium on residential zoning requests. Proposed lot standards include restrictions or prohibitions on stucco, requirements for chimneys to match primary building materials, requirements for covered porch and stoop entries and requirements for variating facades. Additionally, driveways would be required to accommodate two cars, and front-entry garages, which would be limited, would be required to not exceed 50 percent of the home’s width. The proposed updates also include changes to subdivisions.
matters.
See UPDATE, Page 4
SCREENSHOT
A map shows a demarcation line in black of areas to be affected by proposed design standard changes. Everything north of the black line north of Cumming would be affected.
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ATLANTA, Ga. — Clergy, civic leaders and concerned citizens from across the political, religious and cultural spectrum are invited to an antipolitical-violence gathering at the Georgia State Capitol Jan. 12. Hosted by the interfaith First Five Freedoms group, the event will convene from 9 to 10 a.m. just before the start of the 2026 Legislative Session. Participants will speak with a unified voice at a moment when Georgia communities are increasingly anxious about escalating hostility and political violence, First Five Freedoms said. “Guided by the legacy of Georgia’s historic faith leadership during past moments of national crisis, five diverse leaders representing multiple traditions will call attention to the dangerous rise in divisive rhetoric,” the group said. The gathering also marks the formal launch of a First Five Freedoms shift toward greater civility, restraint and empathy in public dialogue. Participants, especially religious leaders, are encouraged to wear clergy attire and visit their state senators and representatives. Attendees are asked to share a brief report of their legislative visits to help track outreach and strengthen the coordinated effort.
See GATHERING, Page 12
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