Commission OKs rezoning for 13.6 acres on Stewart Circle to allow commercial highway uses

The Lowndes County Board of Commissioners approved REZ 2025-15, a rezoning request to change about 13.6 acres on Stewart Circle (addresses 3923, 4025 and 4051 Stewart Circle) to CH (commercial highway) zoning.

County planner JD Dillard outlined the property's zoning history and context, noting the site lies in the urban service area and the community activity center on the future land-use map; staff said CH is an appropriate designation for the proposed multi-tenant commercial development. Dillard said a roughly 5.6-acre wetland lies in the middle of the site and will need delineation and engineering prior to development approvals.

Dillard told commissioners the applicant submitted a conceptual site plan showing viability of a multi-tenant building with access from Stewart Circle and potential easements to adjacent developments. The TRC reviewed the request and found it consistent with applicable ULDC standards; no members of the public spoke in opposition at the Planning Commission hearing, and that body recommended approval 6-0.

At the county meeting, no members of the public spoke for or against the rezoning during the public hearing. A commissioner moved to approve the rezoning; the motion was seconded and passed by unanimous voice vote.

The zoning approval allows the property owner to pursue development consistent with CH zoning and with county permitting processes; the record notes that wetlands must be formally delineated and engineered around before development permits are issued.