Commissioners held a public hearing on Thursday about proposed changes to requirements for planned residential developments. The final vote is April 11.

A zoning of planned residential development allows for a mix of housing, such as both apartments and single-family homes. The county could add some requirements for these developments that may make the developments less crowded.

Four community members spoke in favor of the changes Thursday, saying they support more greenspace.

“I’ve lived here for 45 years, where I’ve raised my family, and it’s where I’ll live for the rest of my life,” John Girardeau said. “I’m not looking to return Hall County to 1970, but it is my hope that we will do what is necessary to maintain a good quality of life.”

The proposed changes add minimum lot sizes and regulations for setbacks, which require buildings to be a certain distance from property lines. For single-family homes, lots would need to be at least 60 feet wide, with front yard setbacks of at least 25 feet, side yard setbacks of at least 5 feet and rear yard setbacks of at least 20 feet. For duplexes, lots would still need to be 60 feet wide, but with front yard setbacks of at least 35 feet, side yard setbacks of at least 10 feet, and rear yard setbacks of at least 20 feet.

Developments with at least 100 lots would need two entrances, while developments with at least 300 lots would be required to have three entrances.