The Hall County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a 72-lot subdivision west of Murrayville and a distribution center on Athens Highway on Thursday.

The 99-acre property for the subdivision on Price Road near the intersection with Thomas Road, at 5564 Price Road, was rezoned from agricultural residential to residential.

Although the Hall County Planning Commission recommended on Dec. 3 that the subdivision have 30-foot buffers on the perimeter, commissioners approved 20-foot buffers Thursday at the request of the applicant, developers Tim Allen and Dale Cronauer.

Nearby residents spoke Thursday and said they were worried that the land was not suitable for the septic tanks that would be needed, and the subdivision’s proximity to farms could pose a danger to animals.

Commissioner Billy Powell noted at the meeting that septic tanks are regulated by the state and the county already has pet restraint laws to protect animals. The property is in his district.

Another item approved by commissioners Thursday is a distribution center at 3117 Athens Highway. The facility could be up to 380,000 square feet and would be used for distribution of dry goods and possibly food.

No one spoke in opposition to the distribution center on Thursday.