Votes at a glance: Coweta County Commission, Jan. 23, 2025 — rezonings, variances, ordinance and routine approvals

At its Jan. 23 meeting the Coweta County Board of Commissioners recorded the following formal actions. All votes below are taken from the meeting record and staff reports presented at the public hearing.

Key land‑use and development votes

- REZ24‑012 (W and W Realty Company LLP, Highway 29 South): Rezoning to M Industrial approved with conditions; board capped rentable truck parking at 249 spaces, required nonconforming area to be brought into compliance, ordered a soil study and mitigation and extended the land‑disturbance permit (LDP) window to 18 months. Outcome: approved unanimously.

- REZ24‑017 (CK Orchard Hills LLC, 700 Highway 16 East): Rezoning from LM to M to permit manufacturing, assembling, testing, warehousing, transportation and repair of electrification components; board added a condition explicitly excluding other intensive M‑district uses. Outcome: approved unanimously.

- REZ22‑005 (869 Poplar Road, Popeye’s development): Board granted a six‑month extension to meet condition No. 5 (obtain building permit). Staff reported demo permit issued and construction drawings approved with conditions. Outcome: extension approved unanimously.

Zoning variances and related approvals

- VAR24‑019 (W and W Realty / truck parking): Board of Zoning Appeals recommended buffer reduction and landscape screening; commissioners approved a 50‑foot natural buffer along the northern property line with a minimum six‑foot security fence and required landscape screening along I‑85; removed redundant condition that conflicted with rezoning. Outcome: approved unanimously.

- VAR24‑016 (Gazalia Concrete Constructors Inc., 404 East Noonan Road): Board of Zoning Appeals recommended approval of buffer reduction to zero feet for specified encroachments with conditions (natural buffer maintained except for identified encroachments, abandonment of certain driveways on East Murphy Road, truck traffic to use East Newnan Road, work within right of way to meet standards). Commissioners accepted the BZA recommendation. Outcome: approved unanimously.

Countywide policy and other actions

- Solar ordinance (Appendix A, Article 6D — Nov. 25 draft): Board adopted the proposed solar energy systems and facilities ordinance (clarified language on maximum acreage and review increments). The adoption is a countywide regulatory framework and does not approve any specific solar project. Outcome: adopted unanimously.

- Routine and administrative approvals (consent or motion votes): The board approved a package of routine agreements and awards, all by unanimous votes, including: execution of a property donation agreement with Newnan‑Coweta Habitat for Humanity for 2141 Highway 154 (surplus property) to construct an affordable home; adoption of a resolution joining ACCG PTSD insurance coverage for first responders (estimated annual cost ~$95,000 to be allocated across funds); execution of auction and surplus equipment agreements; acceptance of Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants for the District Attorney and solicitor; approval to accept the highest bid for sale of county property at 50 Armco Ball Street; and a range of utility, right‑of‑entry and software procurement approvals.

Procedural and next steps

- Steering committee for the 2026–2046 comprehensive plan update: Board approved formation of a steering committee that includes the commission chairman, district representatives, agency staff and community stakeholders. Staff will convene the committee and proceed with the state‑required plan update process.

- Implementation follow‑ups: Several zoning approvals included explicit follow‑up tasks assigned to Community Development (site‑plan review, buffer/landscape plan approval, stormwater and LDP enforcement). The solar ordinance adoption directs staff to publish the ordinance and accept applications under the new rules.

The board recorded motions and seconders as part of the public record and voted on each item. Most items passed unanimously.