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Rockdale commissioners approve zoning changes, code updates and multiple budget/contract items; repeal pandemic sick-leave policy
Summary
At its Sept. 9 meeting the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners adopted multiple ordinances and contract actions: they approved rezoning and text amendments, adopted architectural and landscaping code changes, approved several requisitions and contracts, and voted to repeal the pandemic-era separate sick-leave policy effective Jan. 1, 2026.
The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners took a series of routine and substantive actions during its Sept. 9 meeting, approving zoning changes, code updates, procurement items and personnel-policy revisions.
Key votes and outcomes
- Rezoning (second reading) — Case 2025-06: The board approved an ordinance amending the official zoning map to reclassify multiple parcels from R-1 (single-family residential) to CRS (collaborative residential subdivision) with conditions, including a site restriction not to exceed 87 lots and added site-plan conditions (two entrances, buffer and architectural material standards). The motion carried; Chair Janice Van Ness was recorded as abstaining on this item.
- Rezoning — Case 2025-04: The board approved a change from R-1 to O&I (office and institutional) for 1955 Flat Shoals Road at second reading; commissioners clarified that O&I does not allow gasoline stations or convenience stores.
- Special-use permit (3601 GA Hwy 212): The board denied the request for a recreational and vacation campsite special-use permit.
- Landscaping and tree-protection ordinance: The board approved amendments to Rockdale County’s landscaping and tree-protection rules and expressed support for strengthening tree canopy preservation.
- Interim architectural standards (text amendment): After staff and consultant presentation and edits between first and second readings, the board adopted an interim ordinance establishing minimum architectural-design standards for single-lot development while the Unified Development Ordinance rewrite continues.
- Contracts and requisitions: The board approved a series of procurement items and contract amendments, including change orders and requisitions for park restroom relocation, electrical work at Wheeler Park, engineering services for Almond Branch wastewater improvements ($82,900), and multiple other budgeted contracts and ratifications; several items were approved collectively.
- Human-resources policy updates: After debate the board approved multiple HR policy adjustments and specifically voted to repeal the pandemic-era separate sick-leave policy effective Jan. 1, 2026; some PTO-related payout items were deferred for further discussion.
- Other routine actions: The board approved the agenda and minutes for prior meetings and declared several county items surplus as presented.
Details and context: Many of the planning and zoning approvals incorporated conditions recommended by staff (site plans, buffers, architectural standards and traffic-related revisions). On procurement items, staff noted warranties and cost-savings (for example, reusing a modular restroom rather than building a new facility), and several items were described as budgeted. The board handled both ordinances submitted for second reading and first-reading items that may be scheduled for future votes.
What’s next: For matters requiring further action (trail concept or detailed site-plan conditions), staff will return with more detailed materials. For personnel-policy items deferred or referred, the board said it would consider additional input at a future meeting.
