Commissioners approve commercial rezoning for ENCC LLC after dropping private-road paving requirement

The Lowndes County Commission approved a rezoning request for ENCC LLC to convert a 1-acre parcel at 9353 Georgia Highway 135 from agricultural to commercial zoning, aiming to bring a long-standing cabinetry and metal-shop operation into compliance.

Planning staff presented the request and explained the parcel’s history of commercial use. The county’s Technical Review Committee and the Planning Commission recommended approval with several conditions, including use restrictions and buffering; staff also proposed that October Lane be paved if the applicant used that private lane for vehicular access. Jack Langdale, representing owner Eric Newsome, told commissioners the business has operated at the site for years, employs about six people and does not generate nuisance noise or odors. Nearby resident Jason Riley also spoke in support, describing the property’s commercial use dating to the 1970s.

Commission discussion focused on the October Lane paving requirement. One commissioner questioned whether the county could legally require a property owner to pave another property owner’s private road; county counsel and staff expressed doubt about enforceability. Commissioners ultimately amended the motion to strike the October Lane paving requirement unless a building permit or similar expansion triggered a review that would require addressing access. The amended motion to approve the rezoning with the remaining listed conditions passed with no recorded opposition.

The change narrows the county’s immediate regulatory obligation: buffering and specific use restrictions remain conditions of approval, but paving of the private October Lane will only be considered if future development or permits make it necessary. Supporters said the approval formalizes the longstanding local business and helps the owner continue operations without requiring immediate infrastructure changes.