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Commission votes to disapprove rezoning for 5385 Washington Road after neighbor concerns
Summary
A proposed rezoning of roughly 12.5 acres at 5385 Washington Road from RA to S1 for an outdoor vehicle-storage yard was disapproved by the Planning Commission amid staff recommendation against approval and residents citing traffic, safety and rural-character concerns.
The Columbia County Planning Commission disapproved a rezoning application for about 12.5 acres at 5385 Washington Road on Monday, declining a request to change the property from RA to S1 to allow an outdoor vehicle storage yard.
Will, planning staff, said the property is largely surrounded by RA (rural agricultural) zoning and staff did not recommend approval because the proposed use is inconsistent with the rural neighborhood character. "From a market standpoint you could make an argument for it, but this is an interesting project you can consider," Will said, adding that paving material and buffering were primary concerns.
Bill Quarter of Blue Water Engineering, speaking for the applicant, said the proposed storage use would be low-activity — "people tend to come to the site, store their boat or RV, and leave" — and pledged additional buffers, screening and photometric lighting plans. Quarter said a site plan and traffic review would follow if zoning were granted.
Several residents urged denial, citing high speeds on Washington Road, limited sight distance near the proposed entrance, and safety concerns for boats and RVs turning across traffic. One resident urged a traffic study and possible right-in/right-out restrictions; another said the location creates a blind spot at 50–55 mph traffic.
A commissioner moved to disapprove file RZ25-11-03; the motion carried by voice vote.
What happens next: The Planning Commission's decision will be forwarded to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners. The applicant may pursue a revised application or a site-plan review if future rezoning is sought.
