Planning commission postpones temporary use authorization for 1003 Robert Moore Road

The Columbia County Planning Commission on June 4, 2026, postponed action on a temporary use authorization (TUA) for 1003 Robert Moore Road after hearing from county staff and the property owner.

Staff planner Will told the commission the sheriff’s office had sought a renewal of the TUA for the 1.13-acre parcel, originally approved in October 2024, but that county records showed no building permit or recent activity and that code enforcement had received a complaint; staff recommended disapproval of the renewal. "We recommend disapproval of this request to renew the temporary use authorization," Will said during his presentation.

The property owner, Fortino Gutierrez, told the commission he had been living in a camper on the site after Hurricane Helene damaged housing stock in the area and said he now has house plans and a contractor. "Can I please get it approved 'cause I don't have nowhere to go?" Gutierrez said, adding that he had septic, water and electricity on site and that he would begin the permit process immediately.

Commissioners pressed Gutierrez on why plans had not been submitted earlier and whether he could show progress on a permit application. In response the commission offered an administrative path short of outright renewal: a commissioner moved to postpone the item to the June 18, 2026 meeting on the condition that Gutierrez apply for a building permit and provide an update on his permit status before the hearing. The motion to postpone was seconded and carried by voice vote.

The postponement means the commission will revisit the TUA at its June 18 meeting; the applicant must at minimum have applied for a building permit and be able to update staff on the permit process for the commission to consider further action.