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Cusseta–Chattahoochee commissioners and planners discuss CUP wording, manufactured-home rules and roundabout delays
Summary
At a Feb. 24 work session the county manager reported infrastructure and staffing issues, planning staff said CUP language unintentionally covers some manufactured-home replacements, and commissioners debated possible ordinance revisions and timing for vote on pending permits.
County Manager Thomas Weaver told commissioners at a Feb. 24 work session that the county is addressing several operational items — a contractor staffing requirement, a stray-animal facility inspection with a 30-day corrective window, storm cleanup and a pipe repair at Hitchitee Creek Road. He also said a planned roundabout is under contract but estimated completion could take about a year.
Planning & Zoning Chair Brent Ingersoll and board members told commissioners the county’s conditional-use permit language has the unintended effect of routing replacement manufactured-home requests to the commission rather than allowing administrative approval in some circumstances. Ingersoll said the ordinance as written applies broadly, including to some stick-built units, and that clarifying language would reduce unnecessary board referrals.
Commissioner Jason Frost urged staff and the attorney to review zoning and CUP procedures to make requirements clearer and more precise; Commissioner Timothy Biddle expressed concern about the fiscal exposure if the county deviated from a uniform process. Chairman Charles Coffey said the board must avoid ad hoc exceptions that could be the basis for legal challenge. A motion to fast-track three CUP approvals at that session failed on fairness concerns; commissioners later scheduled a Feb. 27 called meeting to act on the outstanding permits.
Why it matters: zoning-code wording affects how routine housing repairs and replacements are processed, which in turn affects timelines for residents who need to replace unsafe homes or install manufactured units. County staff and planners said they will draft proposed ordinance language changes for a future meeting.
What’s next: Planning & Zoning and the county attorney were asked to review the CUP and zoning language and bring proposed clarifications back to the commission for consideration. The county will also continue to track required sign-posting and health-department timelines for pending CUP applicants.
