Paulding County planning commission tables request to remove ban on coin-operated amusement machines

The Paulding County Planning Commission on Tuesday tabled a request from Stanton Porter to remove a stipulation that had prohibited coin-operated amusement machines at a proposed convenience store, saying the board needed more information on operating hours and store policies before acting.

Staff introduced Application 2026-01 SPSA, explaining it seeks to remove stipulation number 7 from rezoning 2023-12-Z. The property is a 3.97-acre B-2 parcel at the northeast corner of Hiram Douglasville Highway (State Route 92) and Morningside Drive; staff said county policy allows up to six Class B coin-operated amusement machines (COAMs) provided they are in plain public view.

Doug Price, an attorney representing Stanton Porter, told the commission the client did not realize the competitive disadvantage created by the earlier stipulation and asked the board to waive the restriction. "We simply ask that you, allow him to have the the most machines," Price said, adding his client felt singled out because "others have them" nearby.

Commissioners pressed for operational details. A staff speaker noted the coin-operated amusement machine ordinance took effect on 06/11/2024 and that state law permits counties to adopt consistent ordinances; staff confirmed the county cap of six machines and that machines must be visible to the public.

One board member, citing conversations with local law enforcement, raised public-safety concerns. Quoting Sheriff Henson (as reported to the commission), a speaker said that stores with late operating hours "people congregate, at the stores, and they play these machines" and that some of those people can be "involved in other, potential legal activities," creating an enforcement burden for the sheriff's office.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to table the Stanton Porter item until the Feb. 24 planning commission meeting to allow staff and the applicant to provide the store's operating hours and policies on loitering; the motion carried and the item will return at the Feb. 24 meeting.

Next steps: staff and the applicant are expected to return with the requested operating-hours information and any store policies addressing loitering and congregation before the commission considers removing the stipulation.