Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Medical Spa topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners set public hearing on proposed 'medical spa' zoning change after concerns about limits, parking and enforcement
Summary
County planning staff proposed a text amendment to allow 'medical spas' in agricultural (AG) zoning via special use permits; commissioners raised questions about the definition (nonsurgical vs anesthesia), minimum lot size, traffic and enforcement; the board agreed to call a public hearing in May to refine conditions.
Planning staff briefed the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners on a proposed text amendment to the zoning ordinance that would define and permit a ‘‘medical spa’’ use in AG zoning through a special‑use permit and supplemental conditions.
Staff described the proposed definition as a medical facility that provides nonsurgical cosmetic and health‑related procedures performed by licensed health professionals or physicians. Proposed use conditions include state licensing, a two‑acre minimum lot size for AG, location on a collector or higher‑classification street, upgrades to meet commercial site standards (including ADA compliance), off‑street parking that conforms to Article 12 and an appointment‑only rule. The draft would prohibit sale of medical marijuana in conjunction with the use.
Commissioners raised multiple concerns. One noted the draft’s ‘‘nonsurgical’’ language does not clarify whether any anesthesia is allowed; another asked whether scale or building square footage should trigger additional commercial requirements. Several commissioners worried that allowing the use in any AG parcel with two acres could permit disruptive commercial activity in otherwise rural or platted subdivision areas. One commissioner urged stricter minimum acreages (5–10 acres) or other limits to avoid a ‘‘Pandora’s box’’ of commercial conversions.
Planning staff said the amendment responds to a local business that currently operates under a home‑occupation license and seeks to convert to commercial status on AG property; staff also said the text amendment would be only the first step followed by individual special‑use permitting and site‑specific conditions. The business’s attorney, Ethan Underwood of Underwood Scoggins, told the board his client (the Beauty Barn) occupies about 15 acres, would propose nine employees and that the owner is willing to gather neighborhood petitions and accept site‑specific conditions.
The board agreed to place a call for public hearing on the consent agenda for May (May 19 was discussed) to allow time for further refinements, additional work sessions and sign/order processing for public notice. No ordinance change was adopted at the work session.
Commissioners instructed staff to tighten the definition and revisit minimum lot sizes, parking and enforceability ahead of the public hearing.
