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Henry County BZA approves farm-stand retail permit for Crestridge Road property
Summary
The Board granted a Special Use Permit allowing a retail farm stand in an accessory building at 723 Crestridge Road, with conditions limiting signage to 4 square feet, requiring two additional off-street parking spaces, and a one-year exercise window. The board emphasized the stands should remain small, home-occupation-style operations.
The Henry County Board of Zoning Appeals on April 29 approved a Special Use Permit allowing Dale F. and Anissa R. Lee to operate a retail farm stand in an accessory building at 723 Crestridge Road in the Blackberry District.
Staff presented the request under Section 21-302 of the Henry County Zoning Ordinance and told the board the property is not located within a designated Growth Area. Staff said, however, that because the proposed retail stand is small it would not generate significant traffic or demand for additional utilities, and therefore the use is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Staff recommended three conditions: the permit must be exercised within one year; off-street parking must be available for at least two vehicles in addition to vehicles already at the residence; and any sign identifying the business must be no larger than 4 square feet and not illuminated.
Anissa Lee spoke for herself and her husband, saying they plan "to set up a farm stand at the proposed location, where they will sell baked goods, handmade crafts, and fresh eggs from the farm located below them." She said she expects to open initially on Fridays and Saturdays and that she may attend the stand at first but could make it unattended later. When asked about timing, Lee said, "Probably in a couple of months, if this is approved."
Lee Clark, Director of Planning, Zoning, and Inspection, told the board that farm stands are new to him and to Henry County and that from a code standpoint he does not consider the small shed to be a commercial store; he emphasized the county’s intent to permit small, on-site production and sales rather than larger commercial uses. Clark said electricity is not required and that he does not consider a building permit necessary for the proposed small accessory building use.
After no public opposition was recorded, Deborah Hairston moved to grant the Special Use Permit with the three staff-suggested conditions; Jay Hudson seconded. The motion passed unanimously, 4-0, with one member absent. The meeting adjourned at 1:26 p.m.
