Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Auction Barn Conditional Use Denial topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning board recommends denial of auction barn and variance for Northeast Georgia Outdoors LLC
Summary
The Madison County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-0 to recommend denial of a conditional-use permit and related variances for an auction barn proposed by Northeast Georgia Outdoors LLC, citing concerns about noise, traffic, odors and compatibility with nearby residences.
The Madison County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-0 to recommend denial of a conditional-use permit and a variance sought by Northeast Georgia Outdoors LLC to operate an auction barn for goats, sheep, poultry and other small livestock at 315 Neets Commerce Road.
Applicant Zach Hightower described plans to run livestock auctions with regular events and to use existing buildings on the 3.53-acre site. He asked the commission for an exemption from paving, parking and perimeter-landscaping requirements, arguing the operation would be primarily for small animals and could use gravel parking. Hightower said sales would start at 6 p.m. and the goal was to end by 10 p.m., with receiving beginning around noon on sale days.
Neighbors told the commission they opposed the project. Robert Davis, who lives nearest the site, said his wife goes to bed around 7 p.m. and expressed concern about noise, traffic and property values. Warren Gentry, another nearby resident, said traffic is already heavy in the area and that he opposed the auction. Commissioners raised concerns about noise, odors from animals, traffic and whether the applicant’s site could accommodate required parking and restroom capacity.
The applicant requested two variances: relief from paving and perimeter-landscaping requirements and a reduction in required parking. Planning staff summarized code requirements on the record, including the county formula that would require a minimum number of parking spaces and perimeter plantings for an auction-type use. Attorney Pruitt and staff discussed whether the prior business status of the site affected the current standards.
Commissioners questioned operational details, including expected attendance and animal throughput, waste disposal plans, hours of operation, and whether the site could safely handle large trailers. Hightower said he expected a mix of small and medium trailers, planned to keep trailers and heavy equipment at the front of the site, and said he would dispose of animal waste on farm pastures he owns elsewhere. He also said he planned to install fans and insulation to reduce noise.
After discussion, a commissioner moved to deny the request. The commission voted 4-0 to recommend denial and directed the applicant to attend the Board of Commissioners’ hearing if he wished to pursue the matter further.
