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Ware County hearing advances rezoning of industrial-park parcels to GI
Summary
A request to rezone several industrial-park parcels from IP to GI was presented by Interim Planning Director Dustin Minchew and supported in person by Jason Rubenbauer of the Waycross–Ware County Development Authority; the planning commission previously approved the change and the item was added to the regular agenda with no public opposition at the hearing.
Interim Planning Director Dustin Minchew presented a request to rezone several parcels (parcel IDs listed in the record) from IP (Industrial Park) and SOD IP to GI (General Industrial) and SOD GI to broaden permitted uses and open development opportunities at the industrial park. He said the Waycross–Ware County Planning Commission unanimously approved the rezoning at its Aug. 14, 2025, meeting.
Minchew explained the difference between IP and GI zoning: IP imposes additional requirements such as larger buffers, landscaping and stricter architectural standards (for example, stucco instead of plain metal siding). He cited Simmons Mattress as an example of a prior rezoning from GI to IP when the company located in the area, and the current request would effectively reverse that change for the listed parcels.
Applicant Jason Rubenbauer, president and CEO of the Waycross–Ware County Development Authority, was present to represent the application. When Chairman Thrift asked if anyone opposed the request, no one spoke. The board added the rezoning request to the regular meeting agenda for further action.
The commission did not vote on the rezoning at the public hearing; the planning commission recommendation and in-person representation by the development authority were recorded for the board’s upcoming consideration.
