Polk County approves rezoning for Community Share Ministries with conditions in 3–2 vote

The Polk County Board of Commissioners voted 3–2 on June 4 to rezone 834 Piedmont Highway from A‑1 to Planned Residential Development (PRD) for Community Share Ministries, approving the request with multiple conditions.

The approval requires that all conditions specified by the Georgia Department of Transportation be filed and completed before the PRD may operate; that the applicant comply with Georgia Department of Health Services rules and regulations for child‑caring institutions (DHS Subject 290‑2‑5) unless the applicant produces official DHS documentation granting any exemptions or waivers; and that all roads, drives, infrastructure and internal structures remain owned and maintained by the applicant, not Polk County. The stipulations also state that required provisions remain applicable to heirs or successors.

The motion (moved by Commissioner Linda Liles and seconded by Commissioner Gary Martin) passed with Commissioners Ray Carter, Liles and Martin voting yes and Commissioners Jordan Hubbard and Chuck Thaxton voting no. Commissioner Hubbard raised concerns that approving this application might set a precedent, noting “somewhat similar cases that were previously denied by the Board,” and asked the Board to consider what could come next if the application were approved.

Planning Commission had recommended approval. The recorded conditions place the onus on the applicant to obtain any required DOT documentation and DHS licensing approvals or waivers and to accept long‑term responsibility for PRD infrastructure. The vote does not change any state licensing requirements; it conditions local land‑use approval on compliance and documentation.

The approval allows the applicant to proceed with county permitting steps subject to the stated conditions.