Title
Vote to adopt a Resolution and approve an Ordinance for a Zoning Ordinance text amendment to allow automobile and automobile accessory sales and service to the Table of Permitted Uses, Section 10.13 as “P” Permitted in the Light Industrial zoning districts
Abstract
Introduction & Background: A legislative public hearing was held August 18, 2025. Planning staff presented the amendment request. Mr. Ronnie Vaughn also spoke in support of the text amendment.
Discussion & Analysis: This request is a citizen-initiated amendment to the Chatham County Zoning ordinance to modify the Table of Permitted Use.
The Zoning Ordinance allows for “automobile service stations including tune-ups, minor repairs, tire services, washing facilities including manual and automatic, and similar services” in the Light Industrial zoning districts (Ind-L) as being permitted by right. However, “Automobile and automobile accessory sales and service” are not permitted in the Ind-L district (see screenshot below).
The applicant is requesting to make “Automobile and automobile accessory sales and service” a permitted use in light industrial zoned areas.
This item was on the consent agenda for the Planning Board during their regular meeting on September 2, 2025 and was recommended for approval by a vote of 10-0.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: Land Use Policy 7, Strategy 7.3 encourages support of rezonings for the adaptive reuse of existing industrial sites that are not being used that also includes text amendments to carry out same.
Budgetary Impact: N/A
Recommendation/Motion: The Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend adoption of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance allowing “automobile and automobile accessory sales and service” to the Table of Permitted Uses, Section 10.13 as “P” Permitted in the Light Industrial zoning districts.
The Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend adoption of a resolution approving the following consistency statement: Land Use Policy 7, Strategy 7.3, supports adaptive reuse of industrial sites that are not being used, and this amendment expands the allowed uses in the Light Industrial zoning districts which are currently allowed in three of the four business zoning districts.