Clay County approves rezoning for expanding rural business southeast of Barnesville

The Clay County Board of Commissioners approved a petition to rezone a parcel from Agricultural General to Highway Commercial southeast of Barnesville following a public hearing on May 6. County staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval with a condition that the rezoning not take effect until the residence on the parcel is removed.

Planning staff explained the site is about 1.2 miles south of Highway 52 on County State Highway 21 and contains industrial buildings and a residence. The business began as a home occupation and has since grown; the applicant reported 31 employees and plans for an 8,000-square-foot building expansion. Staff said the parcel meets county standards for lot size, setbacks, lot coverage and access to a public right-of-way.

Comments received by staff included a supportive letter from the Barnesville Economic Development Authority and a single inquiry from a nearby landowner about property-value impacts. The Planning Commission made positive findings of fact.

Commissioner Morgan moved to approve the rezoning and to adopt the Planning Commission's findings of fact; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote. County staff clarified that the zoning change is conditioned on removal of the residence; the parcel will not be treated as Highway Commercial until that trigger occurs.

What the decision means: The business owner may pursue commercial expansion consistent with Highway Commercial standards once the residence is removed and the county triggers the rezoning. The action does not itself grant building permits or other land-use approvals that may be required.

Speakers at the hearing included the county planner who presented the staff report and Commissioner Morgan, who moved the approval; no members of the public spoke against the rezoning at the hearing.