Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Data Mining topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Athens planning commission tables proposal to add “data mining” to zoning code after resident objections
Summary
The Athens Planning & Zoning Commission on Feb. 2 tabled a proposed amendment to add a “data mining” use and definition to Chapter 22 after residents raised concerns during a public hearing and staff requested clarifications.
The Athens Planning & Zoning Commission on Feb. 2 tabled a proposed amendment to the city zoning ordinance that would add “data mining” as a defined use in Chapter 22.
City Planner Ronda Cockerham presented the proposal, showing a zoning map and comparing the proposed “data mining” use to similar uses currently allowed in several zoning districts. Chairperson Brian Schutt opened the public hearing, and several residents spoke in opposition, including McKenzie Brown, Wynn Sloboda, Anne Perryman and Chris Brammer.
Commissioners discussed specific provisions of the proposed definition and whether the language matched existing use categories. Public Information Officer Michael Hannigan offered clarifications during that discussion. After deliberation, Chairperson Brian Schutt moved to table the item; Member Freddie Paul seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. No ordinance was adopted or amended at the meeting.
The tabling leaves open whether the commission will revise the draft definition, change permitted zoning districts, or bring additional information back to a future meeting. Staff noted they had presented a zoning map and a comparison to existing uses but did not present revised ordinance text during the Feb. 2 meeting.
The commission approved the minutes from Jan. 5, 2026, and otherwise conducted routine agenda business during the session. The data-mining amendment will return to the commission for further review at a later date if staff or commissioners move it off the table.
