Upson County planning commission delays zoning and subdivision ordinance amendments to coordinate with new commissioners

The Upson County Planning Commission voted unanimously Jan. 13 to continue its public hearing on proposed zoning and subdivision ordinance amendments so the planning body can coordinate review with the county's incoming board of commissioners.

The move halts further action on extensive draft changes that commission staff said have not been altered in months. The commission’s secretary told members the new board’s leadership prefers to review amendments in sections or “chunks” rather than all at once, and recommended a joint meeting or workshop so both bodies can set a shared process.

Commission staff described a parallel-track review in which the planning commission and the Board of Commissioners each hold hearings; the secretary said the new commissioners had indicated an interest in breaking the amendments into smaller segments for review. The secretary also said the draft amendments remain unchanged and advised commissioners who need more time to study the documents that “they haven't changed for a few months now.”

Members discussed practical steps for coordination, including a possible joint meeting and the need to notify the media in advance (a notification window was described during the meeting as "24 or 48 hours"). Staff said the meeting format — whether a joint workshop or a meeting between committee chairs — still must be determined.

The commission did not alter any specific language of the draft zoning or subdivision amendments at the Jan. 13 meeting. Instead, members voted to postpone further consideration until the commission and the board of commissioners agree on a process and schedule.

Votes at a glance: - Continue public hearing on zoning and subdivision ordinance amendments: motion made and seconded; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Approve minutes of prior meeting: motion made and seconded; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Approve 2025 meeting schedule (tentative, subject to county commission schedule change): motion made and seconded; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Elect Philip Fallon as chairman for 2025: nominated, seconded; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Elect Steve Rush as vice chairman for 2025: nominated, seconded; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Motion to adjourn: motion made and seconded; outcome: approved (unanimous).

Commissioners also discussed administrative matters, including the 2025 meeting calendar and orientation and training opportunities. Staff reminded members about the Vincent Institute training series (next basic session noted for April) and said orientation sessions will be scheduled for new or new-ish commissioners. The secretary said individual orientations typically take about an hour but can be lengthened at the member's request.

The planning commission's decision to pause further action leaves the draft zoning and subdivision amendments in place pending coordination with the Board of Commissioners. The commission indicated it will revisit the items after a meeting or workshop is set with the county leadership.