PRESS RELEASE

WALESKA, GA (November 9, 2023) – Cherokee County has formed a new 10-year growth boundary agreement with the city of Waleska, further action exemplifying cooperative planning efforts among Cherokee County and the cities.

Over the last year-and-a-half, the Cherokee County Community Development Agency has collaborated on future planning with cities, resulting in approved new growth boundary agreements with Woodstock, Holly Springs, Ball Ground, and now, Waleska. The County and the city of Canton have an existing 50-year growth boundary agreement.

A Growth Boundary Agreement is a document that defines and limits future growth for a city. While not legally binding, the city generally agrees to limit its annexations to areas inside the boundary, and the county generally agrees not to oppose annexations there.

At its Nov. 7 meeting, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution establishing the growth boundary agreement, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding, with the city of Waleska.

The Waleska Growth Boundary encompasses an area generally around the current city limits. The western boundary follows the extent of the existing Waleska water service area. The southern section is bounded by the existing neighborhoods of Cagle Shoals, Sawyers Farm, and Brookwood, then follows existing land lots before heading north to form the eastern boundary, approximately in line with Ammons Road. The boundary then follows Ammons Road before crossing Fincher Road and following Puckett Road, being bounded to the north by Clear Lake, then following Pleasant Arbor Road, continuing with land lots before terminating to be back in line with the Waleska water service area.

“While the growth boundary agreement is not legally binding, it is an extremely helpful tool for both staff and elected officials when considering applicants for annexation and rezoning,” District 1 Commissioner Steve West said. “It’s beneficial to all that we have a guiding document for future growth that is agreeable to all parties.”