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Cusseta‑Chattahoochee commission approves five conditional use permits after public hearings
Summary
After public hearings Feb. 24 and a called meeting Feb. 27, the Cusseta‑Chattahoochee County Commission approved five conditional use permits allowing residents to place or replace homes on substandard or subdivided lots, subject to health‑department and permitting requirements.
The Cusseta‑Chattahoochee County Commission on Feb. 27 approved five conditional‑use permits (CUPs) several applicants had sought during public hearings the previous week.
The approvals cover: a .74‑acre lot at 201 Massey Rd. for Mia and Derico Countryman; an 18.11‑acre parcel at 711 GA Hwy 26 for Julie and Jerome Wooten; a .75‑acre lot at 109 Nelson St. for Sierra Smith; a .46‑acre lot at 136 Patty Dr. for Curtis Stroud Jr.; and a 1.35‑acre carve‑out from a 52‑acre tract at 454 Old Louvale Rd. for Walter Miller. Planning & Zoning had recommended approval for each application, typically subject to health‑department clearance and county permitting.
Why it mattered: The CUPs resolve whether property owners can site new manufactured or stick‑built homes where lot size or zoning language would otherwise require additional approval. Several applicants said they need to replace unsafe dwellings or place permitted units on lots that do not meet a one‑acre septic standard referenced in Planning & Zoning memos.
What was said: During the Feb. 24 work session and hearings, Planning & Zoning chair Brent Ingersoll explained the filings. Of the Countryman lot, he said the parcel “does not meet the state's one‑acre lot requirement for septic,” which is why the CUP was required. Teresa Smith of Planning & Zoning told the commission the board had recommended approval for several applications contingent on septic/permitting review. At the work session Chairman Charles Coffey cautioned about perceptions of fairness during any expedited approvals, noting the board must be consistent to avoid legal challenges.
Process and conditions: The commission's Feb. 27 motions approving the CUPs were recorded as unanimous; the minutes and staff notes make clear approvals remain subject to filing a signed plat (where required), obtaining building and health permits, and complying with county zoning rules (setbacks, removal of existing structures when ordered, and septic permitting).
Staff guidance to applicants: County Manager Thomas Weaver and staff repeatedly advised applicants to work directly with the health department and planning staff before investing in new homes or purchases. For the applicant Sierra Smith, county staff specifically recommended confirming septic and setback dimensions before acquiring a mobile home.
Next steps: With the board actions, applicants may proceed with the local permitting and inspection processes. Staff will record signed plats where required and monitor compliance with the conditions the county noted in its planning memos. Any legal challenges were discussed as a potential risk during the work session, but none were filed in the meeting record.
The called meeting adjourned after the CUP votes; staff will notify applicants of formal decisions and outstanding checklist items.
