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Commission recommends rezoning and grants variances for Haley Road property with screening conditions
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended rezoning two Haley Road parcels from C-2 to C-3 and approved variances to buffer and setback requirements with conditions requiring landscaping and opaque fencing prior to operation.
The Columbia County Planning Commission recommended approval of a rezoning for properties at 3932 and 3936 Haley (Hightower/Haley in transcript) Road from C-2 to C-3 and separately approved a set of variances reducing buffer and setback requirements, subject to conditions.
County planner Dylan presented the rezoning application and said the site is developed with outdoor storage and warehouse structures currently surrounded by dense vegetation. Staff advised that changes to the county code in 2016 affect allowed uses and that the parcel’s current use is consistent with the proposed C‑3 classification. Dylan said the parcel lies near the edge of a mixed‑use activity center where industrial uses are allowed at the periphery and recommended approval.
Dylan also presented multiple requested variances to buffer and setback standards (sections 90‑139 and 90‑147 in the transcript). The applicant’s concept plan would remove several small auxiliary structures, add a parking area, and retain natural vegetation along much of the perimeter. To meet screening objectives, staff recommended opaque slats in the main‑link fence and a 10‑foot landscape strip in specific locations, and proposed conditions that landscaping and the fence be installed and approved by the county before issuance of occupational tax.
Property owner David Crawford came forward and answered brief questions. A motion to recommend the rezoning passed on voice vote. A separate motion to recommend conditional approval of the variances passed; the variances were approved with the conditions that landscaping and opaque fencing be installed and approved by the county prior to issuance of an occupational tax certificate and that the requested reductions be limited to what is shown on the submitted concept plan.
Staff said the conditions are intended to ensure the outdoor storage yard is screened from Hightower Drive and neighboring properties; next steps include county review of landscaping/fence installation and issuance of any required permits and occupational tax clearance before business operation.
