[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6282925,"mediaKeyId","2591519-b22677eb67babc76f614070f10ca7ccc","parentId",2591519,"title","Rockdale County adopts 180-day moratorium on rezonings, plats and some permits","audioSeconds",2606,"startMs",994000,"endMs",3600000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2591519-b22677eb67babc76f614070f10ca7ccc&start=994&end=3600","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2591519-b22677eb67babc76f614070f10ca7ccc/thumbnail_994000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6282925/Rockdale-County/Georgia/Rockdale-County-adopts-180-day-moratorium-on-rezonings-plats-and-some-permits","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282925-e499540b678ef300ad47057faea00176/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207931&Signature=Nl4cEJ~NBi-q1D4-5pFvJ916yRo9q5BnQQZviAjWNT3cbgPTx6UggtF4RBrzJoR3VtwLUg3-WotoFByJ0EwhGIPbQuXO04gOFeoaREMktujneblvNhQDVPOW91lgbdt9dlVwTIgJSO8O4Qev3c9WQHTBCzul5OqBiRm-rJ~yHHCFBS4aJorelfuf56BlXJdRv0WMeuRAksuAL6-bZFzvTtLu5vVZOrymjzCYpMBFiY4r9JEfo5BCqJe7wcYVFO4hG7akDRbfI0jqutKnDsBdLmHoEDb9yNPAjd1TJhesoE4wjjD-fxeDxWxl3qNfEy2SsIxy6IW1YsDQF9L-NxoZDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rockdale County GA ","date","2025-03-11T00:00:00Z","article","Rockdale County’s Board of Commissioners voted March 11 to adopt a resolution imposing a moratorium of up to 180 days on new rezoning requests, site plans, plats, land subdivisions, land-disturbance permits and certain building permits while the county completes a rewrite of its Unified Development Ordinance.

The resolution, identified in the meeting as item 2025-129, sets an effective date of close of business March 14 and includes explicit exceptions and an appeals process. County staff emphasized the moratorium will not apply to applications that are “already in process,” including preliminary plats, final plats, building permits and land-disturbance permits for which applicants have already substantially completed the submission process.

Why it matters: County leaders said the pause will allow staff and elected officials to take a “deep dive” into land-use rules to align zoning and permitting with Rockdale’s changing mix of urban, suburban and rural areas. Commissioners described the moratorium as an inconvenience to some projects but as a necessary pause to ensure future development conforms to an updated land-use map and the county’s long-term plan.

Key details
- Scope: Rezoning requests, site plans, plats, subdivisions of land, land-disturbance permits and building permits are covered by the moratorium text read into the record. The resolution also provides for findings of fact, an appeal process, severability, a penalty provision and an effective date.
- Effective date and duration: The board approved a proposed effective date of close of business March 14, 2025. The resolution sets a maximum duration “not to exceed 180 days.”
- Exceptions: The resolution was amended in-session to clarify that applications already filed and substantially complete — including preliminary plats, final plats, building permits and LDPs (land-disturbance permits) — are not affected. Staff repeatedly stated applicants already “in the process” would be exempt.
- Appeals: An administrative appeal process was added to the draft so that applicants who believe they were improperly caught by the moratorium can seek relief.

Public comment and board remarks
Speakers during public comment pressed for clarity about how the moratorium would affect specific projects. Builder Chris Recker asked if platted communities could still pull building permits; county staff answered that platted communities and applications already underway would not be affected. Resident Josie Dean raised unrelated stormwater concerns from her property. Senior resident Jeff Webster asked the board to review recent millage and tax notices for hardship on seniors; that item was heard during public comment but is separate from the moratorium discussion.

A board member who had attended the National Association of Counties conference said the county’s development patterns have changed substantially since the UDO was last rewritten and argued a pause was necessary \"to slow everything down\" and allow a careful rewrite.

Outcome and next steps
The board approved the resolution after a motion, second and voice vote. The adopted text includes the March 14 effective date, the 180-day maximum duration, an appeals process and the exemption language for applications already in process. County staff said the moratorium will remain in place while the county’s planning staff and its UDO consultant work through the rewrite and bring proposed ordinance language back to the board.

A staff follow-up: County staff said they would post the final adopted resolution and related guidance once the county attorney completes a final review and the document is posted on the county website.

Ending
The board moved immediately from public comment to the vote, and commissioners indicated they expect to use the pause to produce a more detailed, locality-specific unified development ordinance. Several speakers asked staff to ensure the county posts clear guidance about which projects are exempt and how to file an appeal.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Rockdale County Board of Commissioners Meeting 03/11/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Rockdale County’s Board of Commissioners voted March 11 to approve Resolution 2025-129, imposing a moratorium of up to 180 days on rezoning requests, site plans, plats, subdivisions, land-disturbance permits and certain building permits while the county rewrites its Unified Development Ordinance.","taxTitle","Rockdale County, Georgia","taxId",54246,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":46,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282915,"Votes at a glance: Rockdale County commissioners approve moratorium, contracts and appointments",2671,929000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2591519-b22677eb67babc76f614070f10ca7ccc&start=929&end=3600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2591519-b22677eb67babc76f614070f10ca7ccc/thumbnail_929000.jpg","/articles/6282915/Rockdale-County/Georgia/Votes-at-a-glance-Rockdale-County-commissioners-approve-moratorium-contracts-and-appointments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282915-418834b1b60663d6861eb9dfcf653d0f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207931&Signature=EEqbj~IwoFjy8qKsWu-yDptLRVcbzlmYxGQCIHSaTtrlqTtyVww9MKC1w7t5z-i~4IRTtHLYz-LFxObS0MCzdRfv-v6NQVymMOykwuw8eNJVsPS2HZ8ewokXhvtZnJ-kOn1knR9SYfkg2u9VhEaRqGvWJ1gJwPWffd~KxG7HfVaXssArm6Kazcx8Op9O3lQPMQEqevnLWwW6SJDsWi4ItfqBnz24wkj8scRerPbTwgU12cBqFQVR5cDEc8j-Y1CPXgHZ6bzfv8FLTq3vBgNeX1A6tG9kfY~KYjgqN16A4Q07YQDLJ1QbR6ceoECSSLoDL89JLindz1Z~J~shO2BAew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Here are the formal actions recorded at the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 11, 2025. Where the transcript did not record individual roll-call tallies the board approved routine items by voice vote.

Agenda amendment
- Motion to amend the agenda to move item 2025-129 (moratorium) to the top of the agenda: motion made, seconded and approved by voice vote. (Transcript: board approved moving item 129 to be heard immediately.)

Major resolution
- Resolution 2025-129 (Moratorium on rezonings, site plans, plats, subdivisions and certain permits): Approved (motion and second; voice vote). See article on moratorium for details.

Minutes and agenda housekeeping
- Approval of minutes as presented: Approved by voice vote.
- Unfinished business: Item 2025-62 (LexisNexis Risk Solutions to Sheriff’s Office) — removed from the agenda at the sheriff’s request (motion and approval by voice vote).

Contracts, requisitions and expenditure approvals (selected by agenda item)
- Item 2025-96 (Construction Material Services, CMS — material sampling and testing, roadway rehabilitation): Approved. Funded by SPLOST; not to exceed $15,000; six-month term; budgeted.
- Item 2025-97 (Construction Material Services, CMS — preliminary pavement evaluation): Approved. SPLOST funded; not to exceed $14,900; six-month term; budgeted.
- Items 2025-98 through 2025-102 (chemical supply contracts for Water Resources; Univar Solutions, Chemtrade, ChemRite, AquaSmart): Approved collectively. Annual estimated amounts and unit prices were read into the record; these are water enterprise fund budgeted items with one-year terms and renewal options.
- Item 2025-103 (U.S. Geological Survey — long-term monitoring program): Approved. $247,200, term 01/01/2025–12/31/2025; water enterprise fund; budgeted.
- Item 2025-104 (Comprehensive Family Care — drug court substance use treatment groups for juvenile court): Approved. $225 per group through 09/30/2025; grant funded.
- Item 2025-105 (United Maintenance — relocation of AC units and mill event hall expansion at Costley Mill): Approved. $19,646 plus impact fee; budgeted.
- Items 2025-106, 107, 108 (Technology/IT purchases and professional services with DICE Solutions and others for data center upgrades, firewall, migration services): Approved; contracts awarded to state-contract vendors; funded through ARPA, CIP and general fund as specified in agenda.
- Item 2025-109 (EMA — Priority Dispatch annual maintenance for QA fire and law enforcement CAD modules): Approved. $29,400; 03/14/2025–03/14/2026; emergency 911 fund; budgeted.
- Items 2025-110 through 2025-118 (Water Resources on-call/fencing, lab and maintenance supplies, parts and services): Approved collectively. Multiple vendors; amounts range and were listed as not to exceed budgeted line items in the water enterprise fund.
- Item 2025-119 (Parks & Recreation — Pinnacle Maintenance landscaping renewal): Approved. $51,842.76; general fund; budgeted.
- Item 2025-120 (Zoho subscription — to manage engine): Approved. $20,840; general fund; renewal period noted; budgeted.
- Item 2025-121 (Formalytics LLC — investigative/intelligence software for Sheriff’s Office): Approved. $38,877; grant-funded; budgeted.
- Item 2025-122 (OpenGov — OMS user and OMS Plus): Approved. $25,657.12; general fund; budgeted.
- Item 2025-123 (Surplus equipment declarations for Stormwater, Sheriff’s Office, Transportation and Water Resources): Approved.

Resolutions, councils and volunteer appointments
- Item 2025-124: Resolution reactivating Keep Conyers Rockdale Beautiful Council (KCRB): Approved.
- Item 2025-125: Resolution creating the Rockdale County Water, Sewage and Stormwater Advisory Council: Approved.
- Item 2025-126: Volunteer appointments — Board of Adjustment appointments (Margaret Wright; Michael Mixon) approved and ratified. Appointments for KCRB and the Water/Sewer/Stormwater Advisory Council (126 B and 126 C) were deferred pending application responses and further board consideration.

Ratifications and personnel
- Item 2025-127 (Fire Rescue turnout gear requisition; North America Fire Equipment): Ratified. $85,575; general fund; budgeted.
- Item 2025-128 (Ratifications of appointments): Ratified — James (Jimmy) Robinson as Fire Chief (presented and sworn in; brief remarks), and LaShawn Gardner as Director of Planning and Development (presented and welcomed). The board ratified both appointments by voice vote.

Executive session
- The board voted to move into executive session at the end of the meeting for the purpose of discussing litigation and personnel (motion and second; voice vote). The public meeting was adjourned following that motion.

Notes about votes and tallies
Where the transcript shows only a voice vote the record reads “all in favor say aye” and “the motion carries.” The transcript did not record roll-call tallies or named yes/no votes for most items, so tallies are not provided in this summary.

Ending
Most items were routine, budgeted and approved by the board in voice votes. Several items were handled collectively (multiple procurement and water-requirement items) to expedite the consent and contract agenda; two department-head appointments were ratified and two volunteer board appointments were approved with other volunteer appointments deferred for follow-up.","At its March 11 meeting the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners amended the agenda to hear item 2025-129 first, approved a 180-day moratorium (Resolution 2025-129), ratified multiple contracts and requisitions across departments, and confirmed two department head appointments.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282920,"Small-business advocates press board after county signals change to Equal Business Opportunity staffing",1564,1946000,3510000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2591519-b22677eb67babc76f614070f10ca7ccc&start=1946&end=3510","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2591519-b22677eb67babc76f614070f10ca7ccc/thumbnail_1946000.jpg","/articles/6282920/Rockdale-County/Georgia/Small-business-advocates-press-board-after-county-signals-change-to-Equal-Business-Opportunity-staffing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282920-1b9826d88090be577ff46bc87bdcb26f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771207931&Signature=jU8ocECestMxzo20KNaNLWhUgtNEMyIDMm~FL5m~Y7ObD~un5E~ELmm-Cg4S9k0ccTwSkenHvw6q-u02Xjjs9EeSGAiUTLW7lWwdtoA6OQIbAWYxUlSIVRH~KTkiK7XdIu8a7V1HAdhVp~JPtfzFbPSQXrRXha9-cERVmn0BN1W9oJXQQqcZgXhmknIG5twiwAfEDf-eRGbB6WiOtEE44JhcG2mmISwEcy7ZwEQZkCq4bKJjpODwPDPZTQXB5DEGGL4zhusoPUtaDuOeJoTuFiy7dO6VFx7QBG7ZAh3JBnuXjMKGauUPohZ75QLzu00Wm7Teh2GVSeVFk865xbEtZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Small-business owners and the county’s EBO officer urged Rockdale County commissioners on March 11 not to eliminate or dilute the county’s Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) function, saying the role provides critical, hands-on assistance to local minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses pursuing county contracts.

Several speakers representing local businesses described one-on-one assistance they said they had received from the EBO officer, including help completing capability statements, identifying procurement opportunities and navigating county contracting processes. Business owner Danielle Waters said the EBO role had “the potential to really help me to expand my business,” and Bridget Benito said the position had presented opportunities she otherwise would not have known about for nearly 20 years as a local broker.

County staff response and policy detail
County staff told the board the formal EBO policy and ordinance remain in effect. The finance director stated the written policy applies to procurement opportunities in excess of $100,000; the transcript records that threshold when staff answered the public. Staff said the county would continue to meet EBO requirements for large projects and that the administration building and courthouse projects include a designated construction manager responsible for EBO goals. For example, the construction manager for the administration/courthouse project had reportedly met EBO goals and was at about 22% participation against a 15% goal.

Stacy Bonner Lewis, who has led the EBO program, described a recently launched database and supporting services: “the program is new; it started I launched it in June internally and externally I launched it in July… the SBA, SBE, and the hub database has 51 businesses on there,” she told the board. Lewis said she had been organizing seminars, preparing capability statements and sending notices of procurement summaries to regional partners to expand outreach.

Board and staff explanations
Board members said they are balancing support for local businesses with broader budget constraints. One commissioner said the county’s overall budget had grown and that the board was reassessing positions as part of efforts to respond to taxpayer concerns about increased tax burdens. Staff and other commissioners said the EBO functions would be maintained by existing staff and partner organizations while they review internal staffing, and that the position’s duties would not vanish without board action. County staff also said eliminating or reassigning a position would require board approval.

No formal board action recorded
The transcript records extensive public comment and staff responses but does not show a formal vote to eliminate the EBO officer position. Staff agreed to provide the board member a copy of the EBO database and to continue compliance with the policy for procurements over $100,000. Several commissioners said they opposed unilaterally eliminating a position without thorough review.

Ending
Small-business speakers urged the board to reconsider any plan to remove the EBO officer and to preserve direct, hands-on assistance for local firms. County staff said the policy and ordinance would remain in effect and that the county would continue outreach while the board considers staffing and budget issues.","Rockdale County business owners and the county\u000eBO officer criticized a proposed personnel change that would move or eliminate the Equal Business Opportunity role; county staff said the EBO policy and ordinance remain in force and that the program will continue under existing staff while the board considers staffing changes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Rockdale County adopts 180-day moratorium on rezonings, plats and some permits

Votes at a glance: Rockdale County commissioners approve moratorium, contracts and appointments

Small-business advocates press board after county signals change to Equal Business Opportunity staffing