Planning panel backs BA-2 rezoning for convenience store with gas pumps at College Drive and County Road 220

The Clay County Planning Commission on May 6, 2025, recommended approval of ZON25-0012 to rezone two parcels at the intersection of College Drive and County Road 220 to the BA (neighborhood business) district to allow a convenience store with fuel pumps (agent described a 4,500–4,800-square-foot store and multiple pump islands).

Jenny Bridal, zoning chief, presented the request and told commissioners staff found the rezoning consistent with the land-development code and comprehensive plan. Frank Miller, agent for the applicant, described a design concept with multiple double-sided pumps, a convenience store footprint of approximately 4,500–4,800 square feet, 25-foot setbacks, sidewalks along both road frontages and adherence to county FAR and open-space standards. Miller said the design would include a ride-in/ride-out on College Drive and a right-in/right-out on County Road 220 and that the project would satisfy county development standards.

Commissioners asked about proximity to the adjacent school and restrictions on alcohol sales. Staff said there is no county code restriction automatically prohibiting off-premises alcohol sales at this location; a county representative noted that state or license rules are relevant for package-sales distance restrictions, and the commission did not identify a code-based barrier to the request. The commission also discussed the corner—s long history of commercial uses; several members noted that the existing retail node already contains a convenience store and that the application proposed replacing a longtime neighborhood retail site.

After discussion, the commission voted to recommend approval. Staff will prepare ordinance language and the recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action. Site-plan engineering, sidewalk placement, and any required improvements will be reviewed during the DRC/permitting stage.