Commission delays decision on 468 Manta Rd hunting camp after public hearing

The Unified Government of Cusseta‑Chattahoochee County opened a public hearing March 3 on a conditional use permit (CUP) request that would allow a hunting camp on a 534.70‑acre A1‑zoned parcel at 468 Manta Rd.

Jose Perez, the applicant, told the commission he has used the site for about 14 years and said he "was not aware they needed a CUP and now that he knows, he is getting one." Nearby landowner Al Robertson opposed the permit, saying campers have trespassed on his property and that he was concerned hunters might be shooting toward his land, which could affect future residential development and saleability.

Commissioners pressed for additional factual checks before making a decision. County Attorney Bin Minter and County Manager Thomas Weaver explained that the current zoning process treats a hunting camp as a land "use" requiring a CUP and noted the ordinance could be revised in the future. Commissioners listed conditions they want Planning & Zoning to consider if it forwards a positive recommendation: the camp not be visible from the road; an approved waste/sewage disposal plan or agreement; demonstrable noise controls (the manager noted quieter generators have reduced noise); prohibition on permanent structures; and verification of the legal owner authorized to sign permit documents.

Vice‑Chair Timothy Biddle noted Planning & Zoning had postponed its recommendation until April. Given those pending administrative checks, Commissioner Gerald Douglas moved to table action on the CUP pending the Planning & Zoning recommendation; Commissioner Damon Hoyte seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The commission will consider Planning & Zoning's recommendation and any health‑department or code‑compliance findings at a future meeting.