Commissioners approve rezoning for small auto repair shop on Highway 196 with limits on outdoor storage

The Liberty County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a rezoning request to allow construction of a small automotive repair shop on a 6.16‑acre parcel along Highway 196.

Planning staff presented the project as a reduced‑scope proposal that removed previously requested RV and boat storage and towing operations. The applicant is proposing a 30‑by‑80‑foot repair shop with four garage bays and a separate 20‑by‑30‑foot metal building for an office and customer waiting area. The site will include an oil‑water separator, grease trap, a septic system and a well.

The planning commission had recommended approval with special conditions that the parcel be separately deeded from the larger parent tract and that there be no outdoor storage of tires, junk vehicles, equipment, parts or supplies. County staff noted the parcel has approximately 367 feet of road frontage on Highway 196 and that the Fort Stewart joint land use study and the county comprehensive plan support the proposed use in that corridor.

Petitioner Don Bowman, who identified himself as a veteran and described efforts to scale the project back after neighbor concerns, told commissioners the intent was a “small 3 to 4 person auto repair shop” that would employ local families and remove the boat/RV storage after DOT and county safety concerns about U‑turns.

Engineer Scott Burns said Georgia DOT reviewed the reduced plan and indicated that a right‑in/right‑out access arrangement would be appropriate and that a separate right‑turn lane would not be required for the proposed use. Burns also said the site will include required oil‑water separation and fluid‑disposal contracts with licensed vendors.

After discussion about wetlands, access and stormwater, Commissioner Stevens moved to follow the LCPC recommendation; the motion was seconded and the board approved the rezoning as presented by LCPC. Commissioners recorded two special conditions: separate deed/survey of the 6.16‑acre parcel and a prohibition on outdoor storage of tires and junk vehicles.

The rezoning clears the way for the applicant to proceed to final site design, septic and well permitting, wetland/floodplain permitting if required, and a preliminary plat as required by county process.