Planning commission recommends approval for rezoning to allow Dunkin' at County Road 218

The Clay County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of rezoning Z25‑Z0038, which would reclassify a 1.033‑acre parcel at 5408 County Road 218 to permit a Dunkin' drive‑through.

Staff planner Miss Carson told commissioners the application meets the statutory criteria and that the Clay Hill Citizens Advisory Committee voted 7–0 to support the request. Carson said property owners within 350 feet were notified and that the parcel lies inside the Clay Hill Overlay District, which imposes design and buffering standards.

Applicant Janice Fleet of Fleet & Associates said the proposed site plan places stormwater retention and landscaping at the rear of the parcel to provide a buffer for homes across a private street and that the developer will follow Clay Hill standards and development‑review processes. "We had a very positive meeting with the CAC," Fleet said, adding she spoke with an adjacent resident while posting notice and received a favorable response.

Commissioners asked whether buffers would be required where the parcel abuts a private street. Staff said private streets are treated as separators and that landscape buffering requirements apply differently when parking directly abuts a street. After questions about parking and landscaping, a commissioner moved to adopt the staff recommendation; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the Clay County Board of County Commissioners, which has final authority on zoning and land‑use changes. The BCC hearing date and timing were discussed at the meeting.