High Falls Industrial Park rezoning approved with updated buffer conditions

The Spalding County Planning Commission held a regular meeting on April 29, 2025, where key discussions focused on the approval of three rezoning applications related to the High Falls Industrial Park. The meeting, attended by various stakeholders, aimed to address the conditions surrounding the development of these parcels.

The staff presented three recommended conditions for the rezoning applications, which were generally accepted by the applicant. However, the applicant proposed a modification to the first condition regarding building materials and architecture, suggesting that the buildings should align with the existing structures in the High Falls Industrial Park rather than the Lakes at Green Valley covenants. This adjustment was made to ensure consistency with the current industrial development in the area.

Additionally, the applicant requested the addition of a fourth condition to clarify the buffer requirements. This condition proposed a 25-foot buffer consisting of a 10-foot undisturbed area and a 15-foot replanted area, which the applicant argued would provide a better visual barrier than an entirely undisturbed buffer. The staff acknowledged the need for further evaluation of the existing buffer quality before finalizing this condition.

The commission discussed the implications of these changes, particularly the importance of maintaining architectural consistency along the AKB corridor. The staff emphasized that any future data center developments would require additional zoning approval, ensuring that the commission retains oversight over significant changes to the project.

After deliberation, the commission voted unanimously to approve all three applications with the staff's recommended conditions, while also noting the applicant's proposed modifications for further consideration. The next steps will involve a detailed review of the buffer conditions and ongoing discussions regarding the architectural standards as the project progresses.