Title
Vote to approve an ordinance and adopt a resolution approving the consistency statement for a general use rezoning by Oscar Guarin, from R-1 Non-conforming to Light Industrial on Parcel 5067, being 9.278 acres, located at 4920 Old US 421 S, Bear Creek Township
Abstract
Introduction & Background: A legislative public hearing was held June 16, 2025. Planning staff presented the request, and the applicants were available for questions. No one signed up to speak. However, the current tenant, Daryl Johnson, did express the property has continued to be used and they are wanting to lease the property for a landscaping supply, mulch yard, etc.
It was noted that the property, because it is split by an active railroad system, is not suitable for residential use.
Discussion & Analysis: When considering general use rezoning, all uses listed in Section 10.13 of the Chatham County Zoning Ordinance listed under the proposed zoning classification are permitted by right or require a special use permit. Uses listed as SUP3 are permitted uses by right if connected to public water and sanitary sewer. However, due to possible limitations such as wastewater capacity, access to public utilities, built upon area limits, etc., not all uses are feasible. The decision to approve a general use rezoning shall be determined by the following criteria.
1. Any alleged error in the Ordinance, if any, which would be remedied by the proposed amendment. No errors in the Ordinance are being made.
2. The changed or changing conditions, if any, make the proposed rezoning reasonably necessary. The county began rezoning the unzoned portions of the county in 2007 and 2009 along the major corridors. In 2016, the remaining unzoned portions of the county were placed into their respective zoning districts. Several existing businesses requested a zoning designation to match the type of use that was being conducted. However, some business property owners opted to accept the new R-1 or R-5 Residentia...
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