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Commission approves County Powers Act application for gravel/quarry operations; debate continues over permits and grandfathering
Summary
The commission approved an application form tied to the County Powers Act for gravel pit/quarry operations with an amendment that the $150 application fee be nonrefundable; commissioners and staff debated permit wording, enforcement and whether grandfathered operations will be decided by the commission or staff.
The DeKalb County Commission approved an application implementing provisions of the County Powers Act for gravel pits and related operations, but the meeting revealed open questions about permit form, who issues permits, and how grandfathered operations will be adjudicated.
Commissioners voted to approve the application, amended to specify that the $150 application fee is nonrefundable. County staff (Jimmy, county office) said no permits yet exist to issue under the new application and requested guidance on the permit format. County staff recommended a carbon‑copy permit book (similar to that used for beer permits) to record approvals and receipts; commissioners asked staff to propose and order a generic permit form if that is practical.
A major area of debate centered on grandfathering. The application asks applicants to state reasons they believe they are grandfathered; several commissioners asked who will determine grandfathered status. Commissioners discussed whether the clerk or staff should unilaterally accept an applicant’s claim or whether the full commission should decide grandfathering and permit approvals. Multiple commissioners suggested referral to committee or the next workshop for more procedural guidance; the commission directed further review in committee and workshop meetings.
The commission also asked staff to prepare a permit template for review and to return to government services and to the full commission with options for administration and issuance. The vote to approve the application with the nonrefundable‑fee amendment passed by roll call (13 yes).
