Planning Commission postpones temporary use authorization for Robert Moore Road property pending building‑permit application

The Columbia County Planning Commission on June 4, 2026 postponed a decision on a temporary use authorization (TUA) for 1003 Robert Moore Road to its June 18 Planning and Zoning meeting after staff recommended disapproval for lack of a building permit or active plans.

Planning staff (Will) told the commission the sheriff’s request to renew the TUA had originally been approved in October 2024 but had lapsed; staff said there was a code enforcement complaint and roughly 18 months of no activity and recommended denial of the renewal.

Applicant Fortino Gutierrez told the commission he has been living in a camper on the property since Hurricane Helene damaged housing in the area and asked the commission to reinstate the authorization so he could remain while building. Gutierrez said he now has house plans and a septic tank, water and electricity on site and that he can submit permit paperwork quickly. He told the commission, “can I please get it approved cuz I don't have nowhere to go?” and, of his house plans, “I got the plans now … I purchased … I can get it basically tomorrow.”

Commissioners pressed Gutierrez on why plans and permit applications were not submitted earlier and noted the TUA is on a 12‑month renewal cycle; staff and members said renewals are limited. The commission offered a two‑week postponement to allow Gutierrez to apply for a building permit. A commissioner moved to postpone consideration of the TUA to the June 18, 2026 Planning and Zoning meeting, the motion was seconded, and the motion carried by voice vote.

Staff clarified that an application for a building permit (not necessarily issuance) needed to be submitted before the June 18 meeting and that the commission would update the applicant on his status in the process at that hearing.