Planning commission recommends approval of operator license and subdivision plat, clears several variances

The Columbia County Planning Commission on Aug. 6 recommended approval of multiple routine land-use items, including a massage operator license and the final plat for Hamilton Grove Phase 1.

Staff recommended, and commissioners approved, a massage operator license for Marjorie Method LLC to operate at 4408 Columbia Road, Suite 106 and provide both on-premise and mobile massage services. "She makes a lot of requirements for the ordinance and staff recommends approval," staff member Will told the commission, and the motion to approve carried with a voice vote. The commission also approved the Hamilton Grove Phase 1 final plat, which staff said creates 10 residential lots with a minimum lot size of 2.58 acres and an average lot size of 2.75 acres; setbacks were presented as 35 feet from the right-of-way, 10 feet from side property lines and 25 feet from rear property lines in accordance with the RA zoning district.

Several residential setback variances were heard and recommended for approval with conditions. Staff explained the variances were driven largely by parcel geometry and topography: the request at 113 Glenora Drive would reduce a side setback to approximately 2.4 feet with an easement encroachment agreement as a condition; a variance at 509 Ernestine Falls proposed a 1-foot side setback and noted a homeowner association letter of approval; and a request at 711 Campana Drive would reduce side and rear setbacks to create usable backyard space with tall retaining walls, subject to an easement encroachment agreement. In each case staff recommended approval and commissioners moved to recommend approval. Motions were carried by voice vote.

All items in this roundup will be forwarded to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners for final action on Aug. 18, 2026, as the Planning Commission is a recommending body.