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Planning commission gives temporary OK for WW Customs' overflow car storage with fencing requirement
Summary
The Stephens County Planning Commission recommended temporary approval through Dec. 31, 2026 for a satellite vehicle-storage use at 3231 Highway 145, contingent on installation of screening fencing and coordination with the county marshal for a long-term commercial storage solution.
The Stephens County Planning Commission recommended approval on July 1 for a conditional use request to permit satellite vehicle storage for WW Customs Auto Sales at 3231 Highway 145 in Toccoa, with temporary approval through Dec. 31, 2026.
Planning staff told the commission the 2.5-acre residential property currently stores approximately 30 vehicles in the rear yard; staff recommended a temporary permit so the owner could establish screening and work with the marshal’s office toward a permanent, commercially zoned storage site. The staff report said the closest stored vehicle was about 40 feet from the principal structure and roughly 220 feet from the front-yard property line, and noted surrounding parcels are primarily large-lot, agricultural-residential properties.
A representative for WW Customs Auto Sales described the business as a small, family-run classic-car restoration and parts operation that has grown rapidly over the past three years. He said the site would not be an active sales location, pledged there would be no signage or increased public traffic, and offered to install fencing and plantings. "There would be no signage, no increase in public traffic, and no disruption to the surrounding area," he said.
Neighbors were split. Karen Benson, who lives at the storage property, said she keeps the lot well maintained and has canvassed nearby residents for support. A nearby property owner, America Addison, identified herself as the complainant and told the commission the stationary vehicles constitute a violation of county ordinance and that her parents must look at the vehicles daily.
Commissioners said they wanted a temporary solution that would allow the business time to secure a permanent commercial site. The motion approved the staff recommendation: temporary approval through Dec. 31, 2026, contingent on installing a screening fence and working with the marshal for a durable solution. The full board of county commissioners will review the recommendation at a later meeting and have final authority.
