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Commissioners approve AutoZone conditional-use permit for Brown Bridge Road, 3–1
Summary
After a contested public hearing and planning commission denial, the Newton County Board of Commissioners approved a conditional-use permit for an AutoZone at 11400 Brown Bridge Road with conditions prohibiting on-site repairs and requiring signage, passing the measure 3–1 on June 2.
The Newton County Board of Commissioners voted 3–1 on June 2 to approve a conditional-use permit for an AutoZone store at 11400 Brown Bridge Road in the Almond Tier 2 overlay, subject to staff-recommended conditions including a prohibition on vehicle repairs in the parking lot and the placement of signage clarifying that prohibition.
Planning director (speaker 13) told the board the 1.62-acre parcel lies in the CG (General Commercial) district and met the county’s zoning and overlay standards with the conditions outlined in the staff report. The planning commission had recommended denial by a 4–1 vote after public comment in which residents raised concerns about traffic, parking, proximity to homes and schools, and whether the site fits the overlay’s walkability goals.
Den Webb (speaker 12), representing the applicant, said AutoZone is a retail parts store, not a repair shop, and that the proposal complies with the code. “It is not a repair shop. There are no lifts. There’s no mechanics,” Webb said, adding the applicant agreed to the conditions staff recommended, including a stormwater facility, landscaping, and limits on overnight commercial vehicle parking.
Multiple residents urged the commissioners to deny the CUP. “We want walkable, bikeable neighborhoods,” said Susan Jackson (speaker 5), urging the board to prioritize businesses that align with the community vision rather than additional auto-oriented uses. Denise Williams (speaker 15) and others told the board the first community meeting was not adequately noticed to affected residents and said restaurants or recreational uses would better serve the corridor.
Commissioner Henderson (speaker 7) moved to approve the CUP “subject to the conditions,” and the motion was amended on the floor to add required signage and an explicit prohibition on working on cars in the parking lot. The board approved the amended motion 3–1.
The approval includes the conditions enumerated in the staff report: compliance with the conceptual site plan, Almond Overlay development standards, ingress/egress approvals by the county transportation engineer, a stormwater plan, environmental health and fire-inspection clearances prior to issuing a business license, a limit on overnight commercial vehicle parking, and adherence to occupancy limits set by the Newton County Fire Marshal. The board also directed the inclusion of signage and a condition prohibiting on-site vehicle repairs as part of the CUP approval.
The next steps are standard: the applicant must meet conditions and obtain required permits before land disturbance or a certificate of occupancy is issued. The Planning and Development Department will enforce the site-specific conditions and respond to complaints through code enforcement.
Provenance: staff presentation began with planning director at SEG 590; public opposition testimony and final motion/vote occurred in segments through SEG 1403.
