High Falls parcel rezoned to expand industrial park after developer commits to six‑foot berm

The Spalding County Board voted 5‑0 on May 28 to change the future‑land‑use designation and to rezone a 3.86‑acre parcel (Highfall 16 LLC) from AR1 to C2 manufacturing so it can be incorporated into the High Falls Business Park.

Stephen Jones, attorney for the applicant, said the parcel adjoins the business park that already contains graded pads and a new cold‑storage facility. He told commissioners the rezoning will permit consistent industrial uses and allow the developer to extend a landscaped berm along High Falls Road to screen the park from the roadway.

Commissioners sought specific commitments on berm height and planting. Jones and the developer agreed on the record to construct a six‑foot berm planted with a mix of magnolias and evergreen species and to extend screening across the contiguous frontage; the board required that promise be written into the LDP as a condition. With that assurance in hand, the board approved the FLUM amendment (to Employment Corridor) and the C2 rezoning, and staff recorded the berm obligation as a condition attached to future site‑development permits.

Why it matters: the condition addresses commission concerns about the visual impact of industrial development along High Falls Road. Commissioners said consistent screening along the corridor promotes a stable viewshed and reduces community complaints.

Next steps: the developer will record the LDP condition and proceed with site development consistent with C2 standards and the berm/planting commitment. Staff noted planning‑commission recommendations and standard conditions (truck routing internal to the park, interior orientation of commercial parking and night‑sky friendly lighting) will also apply.