Newton County reviews UDO changes to limit convenience-store impacts, including 2‑mile spacing

Newton County officials reviewed a draft amendment to the county's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) aimed at tightening rules for convenience stores, County Attorney Stephanie Johnson told commissioners at a special work session.

Johnson said the draft would retain existing standards on lighting, screening and a 5,000 square‑foot gross leasable area limit while adding new provisions: a 2‑mile separation requirement between convenience stores and similar uses measured from property line to property line, clarified canopy and site lighting tied to the UDO lighting division, more specific screening specifications, a proposed cap on fuel pumps (12 unless the board allows otherwise), and a one‑year requirement that substantial construction commence after permit issuance. The draft also includes a general compliance clause requiring convenience stores to meet applicable local, state and federal laws and recommends a process for the zoning administrator to notify the board if a permitted site remains undeveloped.

Why it matters: Proponents said the changes are designed to protect public…