Commissioners approve rezoning for Benton Gas headquarters with reversion clause

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners approved a rezoning request for a 4.52‑acre parcel on Carrollton Highway to allow Benton Gas to relocate its headquarters, imposing conditions that prohibit use as a truck terminal and require automatic reversion to commercial zoning if Benton ceases operations there.

Ben Skipper, director of community development, presented the revised site plan and noted the planning commission and staff recommended approval. Applicant Will Summey of Lehi Engineering told the board the owner intends Benton Gas to be the permanent occupant. Ryan Morris, an area property owner, said he had no objection to the proposed use but warned against permanent industrial zoning without an identified end user and suggested a sunset clause. A commissioner moved to approve the rezoning "on the condition that it is solely for use as a corporate headquarters of Benton, Georgia LLC and on the condition that it shall not be used as a truck terminal," adding that if Benton stops using the property the zoning would revert to commercial; the motion passed 7-0.

The board did not attach a separate sunset period beyond the reversion clause included in the motion. The approval was limited by the conditions the board placed on the parcel's permitted uses.