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Tift County commissioners deny rezoning request for proposed equestrian center
Summary
The Tift County Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 on May 13, 2024, to deny a petition to rezone a five-acre tract at 2110 Old Ocilla Road from Agriculture to Community Commercial to allow an equestrian/rodeo center, after neighbors opposed the request and the Planning Commission recommended denial.
The Tift County Board of Commissioners on May 13, 2024 voted 4-0 to deny a rezoning petition (TC-ZA-24-04) by property owner Alicia Hill Smith to convert a five-acre parcel at 2110 Old Ocilla Road from AG (Agriculture) to CC (Community Commercial) for an equestrian center intended to hold rodeo events.
Community Development Services Director Chris Davis told the board the parcel is surrounded by AG and R1 zoning and described the request as spot zoning. Davis said the Planning Commission recommended denial because the rezoning did not meet the local zoning ordinance’s 11 standards and did not follow the Tift County Comprehensive Plan. ‘‘There is no other property in the area zoned CC which means this request is spot zoning,’’ Davis said.
At the Planning Commission meeting, roughly six adjoining property owners appeared to oppose the change, and in the public hearing before the commissioners neighbors again voiced opposition. Marsha Holloway and Laura Crumpton spoke against the rezoning. The applicant, Alicia Hill Smith, spoke in favor of the request during the public hearing.
County Attorney Anthony Rowell asked commissioners whether any member, family member or business associate had an interest in the property; the record showed no conflicts. Commissioner Stan Stalnaker moved to deny TC-ZA-24-04; Commissioner Greg Wood seconded. The motion carried 4-0 with the chairman voting.
The denial leaves the five-acre parcel zoned AG. The transcript does not specify any immediate next steps by the applicant or county for appeals or revised submissions.
