Planning Commission approves Country Junction site plan subject to final engineering and landscaping reviews

The Rankin County Planning Commission voted Oct. 2 to approve a site-plan application for Country Junction, a proposed 4,765-square-foot convenience store at the corner of Main Street and Highway 49 South, conditioned on final reviews of engineering, landscaping and health permits.

Brian, planning department staff member, presented the site plan and elevations, noting the property is in C3 zoning, which allows convenience stores. Commissioners raised operational and safety questions: one commissioner asked about the width of the site entrance and sight lines at the corner, and expressed concern about crepe myrtles planted at the entrance that could obstruct visibility as they grow. Commissioners also discussed whether fueling plans include diesel service; staff said diesel/18-wheeler fueling was not planned.

A commissioner asked whether handicap access and final striping would be shown on subsequent plans; staff said final plans and landscaping would be reviewed before final permitting. The county noted it has received hydraulic calculations and grading/drainage review and that health-department approvals (septic / treatment plan) remain pending. A motion to approve the site plan with the condition that final details be reviewed and confirmed before building permits passed by voice vote.

The commission specifically requested that the applicant revise the landscape plan to remove or relocate the crepe myrtles at the entrance, provide entrance width and truck-turning clearance details (including allowance for bumper-pull trailers), and confirm handicap parking layout. Staff will confirm health-department clearance and complete the final engineering review before issuing a building permit.