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Cusseta–Chattahoochee commissioners deny conditional-use permit for Mustang Drive mobile home
Summary
The Cusseta–Chattahoochee County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 3 denied a conditional-use permit that would have allowed a new manufactured home at 105 Mustang Drive, after strong neighborhood opposition and a 44-signature petition; Planning & Zoning had recommended approval.
The Unified Government of Cusseta–Chattahoochee County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 3 denied a conditional-use permit (CUP) that would have allowed the Lopez family to replace an existing 1990 mobile home with a new manufactured home at 105 Mustang Drive, a one-acre lot zoned R-1.
Janet Lopez, the applicant, told the board she purchased the property to be near her son and to support her family, saying the current unit has “black mold” and that replacing it would add value to the land. Neighbors turned out in force to oppose the permit, arguing Mustang Drive is largely a stick-built neighborhood and that allowing a new manufactured home would depress property values. Several speakers pointed to a petition opposing the CUP; Chairman Charles Coffey said for the record that 44 neighbors had signed against the application.
Resident Kitara Wilson said the neighborhood had developed as stick-built housing and that the community expected that pattern to continue. Matt McAdams, who distributed a copy of the county zoning ordinance, questioned how the application had advanced past Planning & Zoning, which had recommended approval. Melissa Haymond and Sheila Wilson spoke similarly, saying historic protections and prior rules (residents referenced a previous ‘5‑acre’ restriction) had kept the area’s character intact.
Commissioners acknowledged the controversy. Commissioner Jason Frost said the process “isn’t perfect” and commissioners should consider revising the CUP rules; Commissioner Timothy Biddle agreed and urged a review of the county’s conditional-use procedures. County Attorney Binford Minter noted that, under current law, applications must proceed through the hearing process even where neighbors object.
After debate and a failed motion to table the item, Commissioner Timothy Biddle moved to deny the CUP; Commissioner Gerald Douglas seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to deny the permit. Chairman Coffey and Commissioner Biddle expressed regret to the Lopez family while saying the decision reflected the county’s zoning standards and neighborhood opposition.
The denial preserves the existing zoning pattern on Mustang Drive while prompting commissioners to consider changes to the county’s conditional-use rules. The county’s next regular meeting was scheduled for Jan. 7, 2025.
