Stephens County approves four land-use variances and a conditional-use permit

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners on a voice vote approved four land‑use measures after a public hearing, granting variances and a conditional‑use permit that applicants said will allow home replacement, small‑lot development and a self‑storage project.

The board approved a variance for Charlene Merritt (10 Spanish Moss Drive, Takoa, Parcel 059047) to permit a second principal use on a lot smaller than two acres. Mr. Hamilton said the planning commission reviewed the request and recommended approval; a speaker who described themselves as working with Merritt said they would demo and replace a burned home.

The board also granted lot‑size variances for Gunby Communications at 39 Collier Road (Parcel 032B201). Mr. Hamilton read the application details, describing a requested 0.45‑acre variance (leaving a 0.55‑acre Tract 1) and a 0.61‑acre variance (leaving a 0.39‑acre Tract 2). Don Smith of 39 Collier Road spoke in favor and called the request “straightforward.” Planning recommended approval.

A conditional‑use permit requested by BRB Transport LLC for property at 4613 Highway 17 (Parcel 043193A) to allow self‑storage on commercially zoned land was presented; planning recommended approval and no members of the public opposed. The board approved the permit.

Finally, the board approved a variance for Daniel Leverett (4930 Oak Valley Road, Parcel 057029) to allow an accessory structure in the front yard on agriculturally zoned property; the planning commission recommended approval.

Each of the four items was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote with no opposing votes recorded. The planning commission’s favorable recommendations and the lack of recorded opposition were cited by staff during the presentations. The public hearing portions for these items were closed before the board took action.