Commission approves conditional-use permit for home-based bakery on Oak Valley Road

The Stephens County Planning Commission voted Dec. 2 to approve a conditional-use permit allowing a home-based commercial bakery at 4930 Oak Valley Road (Parcel 057029). Staff explained that, under Stephens County code, home occupations such as commercial bakeries require conditional-use approval; staff said the property meets the criteria and recommended approval.

Applicant Daniel Everett told the commission, "My wife wants to bake cheesecake," and described plans for a 20-by-20 outbuilding, screening plantings and undergrounding a power line. Staff clarified the item before the commission was the conditional use to permit bakery sales (retail by delivery and wholesale), not any accessory-structure placement; if the applicant later sought to locate an outbuilding in front of the principal residence, he would need to apply separately for a variance. The public hearing closed after the applicant's remarks and the commission approved the conditional use by motion and unanimous voice vote.

The commission's action forwards the matter to the Stephens County Board of Commissioners for final consideration at the Dec. 9 meeting, per the county's streamlined December schedule.