Jones County to pursue conditional‑use zoning, signage rules for package‑sales stores

Jones County commissioners discussed proposed zoning rules for package‑sales (retail alcohol) during the March 4 work session and directed staff to prepare text amendments to make package sales a conditional use in both Neighborhood Commercial (C‑1) and General Commercial (C‑2) zoning districts.

County staff and a consultant said the change would allow the Planning and Zoning board and commissioners to review individual license applications and consider neighborhood impacts before a permit is issued. Commissioners instructed staff to draft two text amendments so the ordinance would be explicit about how package sales are treated in both C‑1 and C‑2.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the county wants to retain community character and give neighborhoods a formal opportunity to comment on proposed package‑sales locations and operations. Concerned members singled out bright, decorative LED “rope” lighting and other exterior illumination as a visual quality issue they want the ordinance to address.

Major points discussed

- Conditional use: Commissioners expressed broad support for treating package sales as a conditional use in C‑1 and C‑2, allowing case‑by‑case review and public notice. A majority said they preferred that approach rather than permitting package sales outright in commercial districts.

- Limit on square footage: Staff and commissioners discussed minimum or typical store footprints. A 1,000 square‑foot minimum was noted as a minimum in early drafts; several commissioners said 1,500 square feet would be more comfortable for a workable retail layout but that a minimum could be left flexible and owners could seek larger footprints as needed.

- Caps and permit volume: Commissioners discussed originally starting with a small cap (the discussion referenced “start out with four” locations) and handling future demand through the conditional‑use process. No final numeric cap was enacted at the work session; staff were asked to include options for the board to consider.

- Signage and lighting: Commissioners asked staff to draft standards limiting flashing and high‑intensity decorative exterior LED lighting (sometimes referred to in the meeting as “rope lights”) and to review comparable ordinances (several commissioners suggested looking at nearby cities for examples). Current county code limits building sign area (32 square feet) and freestanding signs (125–150 square feet and a maximum height) but does not specifically regulate the type or intensity of LED window or perimeter lights. Staff agreed to propose language on acceptable exterior illumination.

Next steps and process

Staff agreed to draft two text amendments — one for C‑1 and one for C‑2 — to treat package sales as conditional uses, include a recommended minimum footprint, and propose limitations on exterior LED and decorative lighting. The amendments will be returned for review by the Planning and Zoning board and then to the full board; no change was adopted at the March 4 work session.

Ending

Commissioners asked staff to return with draft ordinance language and model sign/lighting standards for the Planning and Zoning board to review at the next available meeting.