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County approves neighborhood agribusiness permit and barn setback variance for Doc Brown Farm in Sonoa
Summary
Coweta County approved a conditional use permit to allow Doc Brown Farm and Distillers to operate limited agritourism and retail activities on a 12.81‑acre RC property and granted a setback variance to keep a recently built pole barn in its current location, subject to building permit and other conditions.
Coweta County commissioners unanimously approved two related requests from Paige Dockweiler and Doc Brown Farm and Distillers on April 1: (1) a variance reducing barn setback requirements for a 40‑by‑50‑foot pole barn, and (2) a neighborhood agribusiness conditional use permit to allow on‑site educational tours, retail sales of branded merchandise and spirits, tastings and limited weekend food‑truck events.
Staff said the property at 9210 East Highway 16 (approximately 12.81 acres, RC zoning) already contains a pole barn that was constructed without building permits and that the barn encroaches on the county setback and buffer rules that normally require accessory equipment buildings to be 100 feet from property lines and 200 feet from off‑site dwellings. The applicant told the board the barn was built to support agricultural operations and that the family operation intends to use the site for farm education and small‑scale agritourism; Amy Brown described the family’s long farm history and said the goal is to help visitors learn about sustainable farming.
Conditions and staff findings: For the setback variance staff recommended four conditions: the barn shall not be moved closer to the northern property line or to the off‑site residence, the applicant shall meet all building department requirements and secure any required permits and inspections, and if the structure cannot meet building‑code requirements it must be demolished after appropriate demo permits are obtained. For the neighborhood agribusiness conditional use staff recommended a longer checklist of conditions, including paved driveway for the first 100 feet and a 20‑foot width, ADA and Georgia accessibility compliance (including paved handicap parking and compliance certification from a registered professional), adequate public plumbing facilities, a more detailed site plan for review prior to permitting, a land‑disturbance permit within 12 months of approval or revocation of the CUP, 100‑foot setbacks from property lines for new structures unless a variance is obtained, downcast full‑cutoff lighting, resolution of any GDOT right‑of‑way/drainage issues, a requirement that the owner/operator work in good faith with county staff to address odor/glare/noise complaints, limited days/hours of operation (Thursday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.), and compliance with all alcohol laws prior to onsite sales or tastings.
Board action: Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the variance (barn setback) with the four staff conditions and to approve the conditional use permit with the recommended conditions. Staff and the applicant confirmed the applicant had a supporting statement from the most‑affected adjacent property owners. The approvals are conditioned on the applicant obtaining building permits and inspections and on addressing any outstanding site development and stormwater issues before the land‑disturbance permit and occupancy certificates are issued.
Speakers (attributed): Nicole Blackwell, Zoning Associate (staff); Paige Dockweiler (applicant); Amy Brown, Doc Brown Farm and Distillers (applicant/operator).
Clarifying details (from the record): parcel size approximately 12.81 acres; existing pole barn 40 ft x 50 ft; barn is approximately 40 feet from the northern property line and about 150 feet from the off‑site residence; staff gave the applicant 12 months to obtain a land‑disturbance permit for the CUP; driveway paving required for first 100 feet and must be at least 20 feet wide.
Authorities referenced: Coweta County Zoning & Development Ordinance (Article 7 — accessory building setback/guest house provisions), county building and stormwater codes, and Georgia accessibility and alcohol regulations.
Ending: The applicant may proceed with required permitting and inspections. If the structures cannot be brought into code compliance the board’s conditions require removal and restoration; if permits and inspections clear the county will issue occupancy and the conditional use permit will remain in effect under the board’s stated limits.
