Planning commission recommends denying pallet-recycling operation at Freeman Creek Road after neighbor complaints

The Stephens County Planning Commission on April 7, 2026 recommended denial of a conditional-use permit for pallet recycling and lumber production proposed for 414 Freeman Creek Road.

Staff told the commission the site, in a residential-single zoning district, is not compatible with the operational nature of pallet handling, storage and processing and recommended denial. "Due to the operational nature of the proposed use, including material storage and processing activities, staff does not believe that this request is compatible with the surrounding residential uses," the staff member said.

A Freeman Creek resident identified only as Peterson testified in opposition, saying large trucks and pallet activity have dragged mud onto subdivision streets, impeded traffic near a fire hydrant and created repeated nuisance and safety problems. "Every time it rains, all they're doing is dragging mud out the road," Peterson said, urging that the driveway be moved away from the hydrant and subdivision access.

The applicant's agent, Jason Rodriguez, said the business currently brings pallets on site, dismantles them and ships reclaimed material out—he estimated material typically stays on the property about a week—and said the operation uses two trucks plus personal vehicles. Rodriguez said the applicants are willing to enlarge or relocate the driveway if the conditional-use permit were approved to reduce impacts on neighbors. "If we do get the conditional use permit and permission to make the driveway bigger, that's our hope," Rodriguez said.

Commissioners expressed concern about roadway suitability for truck traffic and repeated complaints about muddy roads and safety. After deliberation, a motion to deny the conditional-use request carried on a voice vote; the transcript records voice responses of "I" but does not list individual tallies. The planning commission's decision is a recommendation; the Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and make the final decision at its April 28, 2026 meeting in the same room at 6 p.m.

The transcript shows staff cited multiple phone complaints and a site visit by a county official; the commission's denial was grounded in concerns about incompatibility with the surrounding residential character and road conditions. The commission recorded no requirement that the applicant pursue rezoning as part of tonight's action; commissioners noted rezoning to commercial would likely be considered spot zoning.