County to consider rezoning portion of Garland Mountain Sporting Clays for restaurant and expanded parking

Planning staff (Mr. Traver) told commissioners the board is initiating rezoning of roughly 5.67 acres on Garland Mountain Trail where Garland Mountain Sporting Clays operates an outdoor shooting range. "Given these factors, Cherokee County is initiating a rezoning of the 5 acres at 2618 Garland Mountain Trail to general commercial," Mr. Traver said, and outlined the site history and a settlement agreement that requires board approval for facility expansion.

Staff said the property previously included a 6,149 sq ft lodge and a 2,800 sq ft cart barn; the applicant proposes an approximately 8,500 sq ft two-level restaurant and a separate pro shop. The application would expand parking from 33 to 74 spaces and could change the primary use mix from accessory dining to an active, stand-alone restaurant open to the public. Mr. Traver noted environmental-health review of the septic system would be required if the proposed full-service restaurant moves forward.

The presentation referenced prior zoning letters (including one by Vicki Taylor Lee) and a 2015 building-permit history. Staff flagged that the settlement agreement (attached to the staff memo) includes a clause that any future expansion of the facility requires county approval, and that a standalone restaurant would not be an accessory use under current AG zoning. The board asked clarifying questions about the number of buildings and site details. Mr. Traver said Mike Bray represents the property owner and that the owner may address the board during the public hearing.