Planning Commission recommends South Villa Road rezoning to allow community commercial development with conditions

The Columbia County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a rezoning request that would convert about 2.86 acres on South Villa Road and Colonial Road from R2/P1 to Community Commercial (CC) with a conditional use allowing single‑family residential on specified parcels. The move was supported by staff recommendations and public comments from nearby residents and the project team.

Staff presented a concept plan showing multiple retail buildings with drive‑through lanes and described recommended conditions to limit impacts on adjacent residences, including a 6 a.m.–10 p.m. hours‑of‑operation condition (mirroring an earlier Dunkin’ Donuts condition), lighting controls to limit illumination at rear property lines, and enhanced buffers. Staff also described variance requests tied to this development: permitting a bioretention/stormwater facility within a required buffer, allowing a drive‑through between a building and a public road, and allowing drive‑through lanes closer than the usual 50‑foot separation from residential uses; staff recommended approval of the variances with conditions such as landscape‑engineer coordination and a structural buffer where adjacent to semi‑residential uses.

Applicant representative Lodge Lakani told commissioners the developer has discussed potential tenants but has no commitments and emphasized sensitivity to neighborhood character: “We are cognizant of the character of the neighborhood,” he said, and proposed taller, denser fencing and increased landscaping buffers to reduce impacts. Lakani also asked commissioners to consider flexibility on hours for certain tenants, noting some chain restaurants keep drive‑throughs open later.

Local supporters spoke during public comment. Charles Petrie, a longtime area resident, said development was inevitable on the busy corridor and would bring local services. Bob Lewis, who identified himself as a real‑estate agent involved in the transaction and disclosed he would receive a commission if the rezoning is approved, urged a careful tenant mix to enhance neighborhood walkability.

An unidentified commissioner moved to recommend approval with conditions; the motion passed by voice vote. The commission also moved to recommend approval of the associated variance package, with the conditions discussed on the record. These recommendations will be forwarded to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners for final action on 2024‑09‑17.