Planning Commission approves plats, temporary uses for Augusta event, preschool and other items; postpones Washington Road rezoning

The Columbia County Planning Commission on March 18, 2025 handled a package of development permits and zoning requests, approving two plats, five temporary-use authorizations for the Augusta National Women’s Amateur golf tournament, several major zoning revisions and a variance, and postponing one rezoning previously deferred by the applicant.

Why it matters: Together, these actions clear entitlement and site-permitting steps for multiple residential subdivisions, a church-run preschool, and short-term event infrastructure. Several approvals impose standard conditions (setbacks, open space, sidewalks) and will move to final plat recording or to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners where required.

Votes and key outcomes (each item was moved, seconded and recorded as “motion carries” in the meeting minutes unless noted):

- Preliminary plat — Highland Lakes West, Section 2: Approved. Staff recommended approval for a preliminary plat showing 92 single-family lots with a minimum lot size of 10,125 square feet and an average lot…