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Board approves rezoning to rebuild Garland Mountain restaurant after fire
Summary
The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved rezoning 5.67 acres at Garland Mountain Sporting Clays from agricultural to general commercial, granted a concurrent variance to eliminate a 35-foot buffer, and approved an expansion to allow a standalone 8,523 sq ft restaurant and additional parking to rebuild after a fire.
The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a board-initiated rezoning and concurrent variance that will let Garland Mountain Sporting Clays rebuild its restaurant and expand its facility.
Zoning administrator Thomas Trawick told the board the request covers 5.67 acres at 2618 Garland Mountain Trail and would change the parcel from AG (agricultural) to General Commercial to allow a standalone, full-service restaurant. Staff said the proposal also requires a concurrent variance to remove a typical 35-foot buffer where the GC parcel adjoins agricultural zoning and that the 2019 settlement agreement governing prior approvals requires board approval for any expansion. "The proposed restaurant facility will be 8,523 square feet, two levels with 74 parking spaces," Trawick said in his presentation.
Owner and operator Jack Chevalier asked the board for approval, saying the restaurant had been an economic and community anchor. "Prior to the fire, we proudly employed 30 Cherokee County employees," Chevalier said, adding the facility drew visitors from across the Southeast and supported local charities. Several longtime supporters told the board the business contributed to tourism, local employment and community fundraising.
Neighbors raised concerns about noise, the shooting-range operations on the property and the adequacy of notice; some nearby landowners asked the board to delay action to allow more neighborhood input. Corey Unser, an adjoining neighbor, urged additional community meetings so neighbors could see detailed plans. Ray Walker, who borders the range, told the board the change and additional hours for a restaurant could increase late-night traffic and noise.
Commissioner West, whose district includes the property, characterized the request as intended to regularize a use that had been operating for years and to enable restoration after a destructive fire. After discussion, West moved to approve the rezoning, the concurrent variance and the expansion required by the settlement agreement; Commissioner Wetherbee seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
The approval reclassifies the 5.67-acre parcel to allow the restaurant as a primary use and removes the buffer requirement by variance. Staff noted additional permitting and environmental-health review will be required for septic and food-service systems before final permits are issued. The board did not take action on shooting-range operations, which members said were separate from the restaurant permit.
The action marks a key step in the property owner's effort to rebuild operations at Garland Mountain and restore local jobs and events that organizers say raised millions for charities.
