Planning Commission recommends approval of most rezoning and variance requests; cancels April 2 meeting

The Columbia County Planning Commission handled a full slate of zoning items on March 5, 2026, recommending approval for several requests and forwarding others to the Board of Commissioners for final action.

Key results and formal recommendations from the meeting:

- Preliminary plat — Knollwood (Knollwood subdivision off Washington Road): Staff presented a preliminary plat for 189 single-family lots on 44.35 acres; the commission voted to recommend approval.

- RZ26-03-06 (Sir Galahad Drive, R-2 to C-2): Applicants sought to withdraw this rezoning without prejudice after neighborhood feedback. The commission recommended disapproval (motion carried); the item cannot return to the commission for six months and will go to the Board of Commissioners.

- RZ26-03-01 (1422 Old Uplink Harlem Highway, RA to R-1): Staff recommended approval with conditions (including a 25-foot no-access easement, natural buffer plantings, and driveway access limits); the applicant spoke in favor and the commission recommended approval with conditions.

- VA26-03-01 (variance for 1422 Old Uplink Harlem Highway): Companion variance to reduce setbacks for existing structures was recommended for approval with conditions limited to the structures shown on the plat.

- RZ26-03-02 (Washington Road, R-1 to C-2): Applicant requested withdrawal to resolve sewer and aesthetic issues; staff recommended disapproval and the commission moved to recommend disapproval (motion carried).

- Conditional use / RZ26-03-03 (massage at 218 Oak Street North): Planner recommended approval (applicant provided a state license, no exterior changes proposed); the commission recommended approval.

- RZ26-03-04 (RA & M-1 to DC off Morris Callaway Road): The commission recommended approval with conditions after an extended public discussion (see separate article on the data-center item).

- RZ26-03-05 (249 Settlement Road, R-3 to C-3): Staff recommended approval subject to architectural/material conditions to match area character; residents raised stormwater and wetland concerns; the commission recommended approval.

- VA26-03-02 (variance for 249 Settlement Road): Applicant requested and the commission approved reductions to buffers and setbacks (from 40-ft buffers and 30-ft setbacks to 10-ft buffers and 20-ft setbacks) as necessary to accommodate the proposed small contractor's office and fire lane; staff recommended approval.

- RZ26-03-07 (Major PUD revision at 833 Audubon Way — pool and retaining wall): Staff recommended approval conditioned on an easement encroachment agreement required by stormwater; the applicants had submitted the easement encroachment agreement and the commission recommended approval with conditions.

- Administrative: The commission voted to cancel the April 2 planning commission meeting and then voted to adjourn.

Most motions passed by voice vote; the transcript records motions, seconds and that "motion carries" for each approved item. Recommendations by the Planning Commission will be forwarded to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners for final action where required.

For readers: items slated for final county action (including the data-center rezoning) will be on the Board of Commissioners' agenda on March 17, 2026.