Commissioners deny rezoning requests, approve massage use at Columbia Professional Center

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 5 denied a request to change conditions and a variance related to Tax Map 073A (Parcels 154–159 and Parcel 156) and approved a conditional use for massage at Tax Map 079, Lot 15 (Building 15) in the Columbia Professional Center. Motions to deny were made and seconded; the denials were recorded by voice vote. Project manager Saj Lakani, representing Access Real Estate Partners, asked the board to align with staff and grant a six-month temporary residential-use authorization for existing houses on the parcels while commercial development proceeds. Lakani said staff had recommended the shorter period, while the Planning Commission had recommended 12 months and included language that the parcels could revert from commercial zoning to R-2. The board voted to deny the requested change of conditions and denied a variance to Section 90-98 to reduce the front setback on Parcel 156 to 90 feet from the centerline of South Bel Air Road, subject to conditions enumerated at the July 17 Planning Commission meeting. Separately, commissioners approved a conditional use allowing massage services at Lot 15 (Building 15) of Columbia Professional Center. Planning staff noted an existing conditional use for massage in Building 4 and explained each building on the complex is separately parceled and therefore requires its own conditional-use approval. Staff said the operator holds a state license and listed office hours as Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m., with appointments as needed. Staff also clarified the conditional use attaches to the parcel — not to an individual operator; it remains with the lot until changed by the county. The board also denied a rezoning request from R-1-1 to S-1 at 4933 Ephold Farm Road submitted by Dr. Lehi McCullough, who sought permission to increase the number of residents served to add a seventh resident and change billing arrangements. Staff explained that S-1 (group home) zoning would trigger additional building-code and Department of Community Affairs requirements, including possible sprinkler and grease-trap installations and that state authorities could further cap allowable residents. These actions were recorded during the meeting; subsequent permitting or code compliance steps remain required before any change of occupancy.