Columbia County commissioners approve variances, easement abandonments and payments for road and sewer projects

The Columbia County Board of Commissioners on March 4 approved a series of land-use and property actions, including a front-setback variance, an abandonment of a drainage and utility easement, acceptance of a donated easement for White Oak Business Park and payments to property owners to secure right of way and easements for road and sewer projects.

The board voted to approve a variance to Columbia County Code section 9098 for property identified as Tax Map 077A Parcel 060C, removing the maximum front building setback along Round Tree Way. According to staff presentation, the parcel fronts both Round Tree Way and River Watch Parkway; the owners had placed a small storage building to meet the code but now have final construction under way and requested the setback removal so the storage structure could be removed. The motion passed after a commissioner moved and another seconded; the board approved the request by voice show of hands.

Commissioners also acknowledged a withdrawn request to permit a billboard within 500 feet of another billboard (a requested variance to section 90-135 of county code). Staff said the applicant asked to withdraw the application and the board allowed the withdrawal.

The board approved abandonment of a 15-foot drainage and utility easement running along the property line between 201 and 203 Campanile Court so the two adjacent parcels with a common owner can be combined into one parcel. Staff recommended approval following review.

A motion to accept a donation of permanent and temporary easement from RLP 3 Appling OXD, LLC for the White Oak Business Park project was approved. The easement was described by staff as necessary additional right of way for the business park project.

The commissioners approved negotiated payments to acquire right of way and easements for the Hereford Farm Road widening project, including $52,900 to Thaddeus and Wanda Dezanski (parcel 067C070), $18,500 to Sarasita Santos (parcel 07C001), $60,000 to Robert Turman (parcel 067021A) and $70,000 to Michael Harbuck (parcel 067014). A commissioner described these as standard acquisitions that bring the project to 63% of required acquisitions.

The board also approved $4,700 to Cole Development Co., Inc. and $4,700 to Stephen Beasley Builders, Inc. (parcels 512,446 and 511,897 as reported) to obtain additional permanent and temporary easements for the Little Coyote Creek Sewer Project; staff said the easements will help eliminate lift stations.

All motions were approved by the board by voice and a show of hands after moves and seconds were recorded in the meeting. Specific roll-call tallies were not read aloud on the record for these items.

The board moved on to other business after the easement and payment items were carried.