Douglas County’s Planning & Zoning Board and Board of Commissioners on Jan. 6 approved a 12‑month special‑use permit allowing equestrian stables and trail‑riding lessons at 3305 Lake Monroe Drive, an 11‑acre parcel in Commission District 3.

Planning staff described the request as an accessory agriculture‑oriented use to a single‑family home and recommended approval with a set of conditions: environmental health compliance within 30 days; occupational tax and Georgia Department of Agriculture equine/stable licensure within 60 days; building‑permit compliance for any structures without permits; a 12‑month permit term requiring reapplication by Feb. 1, 2027; and submission of property access information for computer‑aided dispatch so first responders can locate the site.

At the public hearing, applicant Eric Jackson testified about his program, describing it as “family oriented” and recounting school visits and community events; he said he offers trail rides, small birthday parties and occasional visits to local schools. Neighbors speaking in favor told commissioners the operation improved property values and provided a community resource. Several immediate neighbors and representatives from Douglas County Animal Services and code enforcement raised concerns about prior noncompliance and public‑safety issues.

Vanessa Francikowski, Director of Douglas County Animal Services, told the board that a complaint had been lodged with the Georgia Department of Agriculture and that county inspections found nine horses on the parcel, portable toilets and other commercial‑scale features. Francikowski said the animals appeared to be cared for at the time of inspection but that inspectors did not observe required stable licensure and Coggins proof was not presented during the first visit. She said a path to compliance exists but urged “strict compliance” with state and county requirements.

During question‑and‑answer, commissioners and planning board members pressed the applicant on insurance, waste management, whether lessons and events were being advertised, and whether riders had used the public right‑of‑way. Jackson acknowledged earlier noncompliance, said he has been working with code enforcement and the Department of Agriculture, and told the board he would secure required licenses and insurance.

Planning & Zoning voted unanimously to recommend approval with the staff conditions. The Board of Commissioners approved the permit with four additional conditions read into the record by Commissioner Martin Raxton: that the applicant must be on‑site during hours of operation, that animal‑control and vaccination regulations be maintained, that rider safety precautions be adhered to, and that the applicant meet all licensing and code requirements. The BOCC set a 12‑month window for review and compliance. The boards’ votes were unanimous.

Next steps: the applicant must complete the licensing steps outlined by staff and remain subject to county enforcement if conditions are not met. The permit will return to the board after 12 months for status review.