Board approves Highway Commercial rezoning for convenience store and Pizza Hut at Highway 212

The Newton County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 3 to rezone two parcels at the County Line Road/Highway 212 intersection to Highway Commercial to allow a 3,791‑square‑foot convenience store and an attached 1,350‑square‑foot restaurant (proposed Pizza Hut).

Staff described the site plan, including two proposed gas canopies, parking located east and south of the building, a septic drain field and detention pond on the adjacent parcel, and three existing entrances that will require GDOT approval for improvements on Highway 212. To address proximity to residences, the applicant proposed an eight‑foot opaque fence and the site plan includes a 55‑foot transitional buffer along one side; staff concluded the proposal met minimum setbacks in the Unified Development Ordinance and recommended conditional approval.

Raghupal Dometi (recorded as Ragu), owner of Georgia Petro Operations LLC and the petitioner, told the board the project would create local jobs and be a clean operation without vape shops and other disallowed uses.

The board approved REZ25‑00010 with staff recommendations; the recorded vote in the transcript shows one member opposed (Ms. Applewhite) while the motion carried overall. Conditions include required permits from Development Services, Public Works, Newton County Fire Services, Environmental Health, the Water Authority and GDOT as applicable; no outside storage of merchandise; and prohibited uses such as tattoo parlors and vape shops.

Staff noted that a minor plat must be submitted to combine the two parcels and that GDOT approval will be required for an improved Highway 212 entrance. The applicant must obtain and maintain business and any required alcohol or food permits before operating.