Council previews variances for Peach State Trucking site; planning commission denied proposed retaining wall

City community development staff briefed the mayor and council on multiple variances requested by Peach State Trucking for a site under construction along I‑20 with frontage on Liberty Road and Edge Road; the council will hear the matter at a public hearing on Tuesday.

Miss Carter, community development director, said the applicant submitted about 10 variance requests, mainly for signage and directional signs, and that staff reviewed each request against code requirements and the variance ordinance. She said four of the signage variances fall within the code’s 20% allowance and that the planning commission approved the majority of the requests but denied a retaining wall request measuring roughly 391 square feet along I‑20.

“The request before you is for multiple variances regarding signage. This is for the Peach State Trucking property that is under construction currently along I 20, that has also frontage on Liberty Road and Edge Road,” Miss Carter told the council, and she noted the packet included the proposed versus required comparisons and planning commission actions. Miss Carter said the applicants will be present at Tuesday’s meeting for a fuller presentation and the required public hearing.

Staff explained that council has discretion to approve all, part, or none of the variances and that the retaining wall was the only item the planning commission denied. No council votes were taken in the work session; staff said they would provide a presentation and the applicant would attend Tuesday to answer questions during the public hearing.

The council asked staff to ensure full materials will be available to the public at the Tuesday meeting. The agenda item will return for a formal vote after the public hearing record is opened.