Applicant asks to stay in RV; planning commission postpones temporary use authorization to allow permit filing
June 04, 2026 | Board of Commissioner Meetings, Columbia County, Georgia
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The PL County Planning Commission on June 4 postponed a decision on a temporary use authorization (TUA 10003) for 10003 Robert Moore Road to allow the applicant to begin the building-permit application process.
Staff told commissioners the original TUA, approved in October 2024, had lapsed and that county records showed no building-permit application or site activity for roughly 18 months; staff recommended the commission deny the renewal. Will (staff member) explained the county’s practice of granting a one-year cycle for TUAs and said the application lacked the usual evidence that construction was underway.
The property owner, who identified himself as Fortino, told the commission he had been living in a camper after his house was damaged and later collapsed. “Can I please get it approved because I don't have nowhere to go,” Fortino said, adding that Hurricane Helen delayed contractors and paperwork. He said he now has plans, access to septic, water and electricity, and intends to apply for a building permit as soon as possible.
Commissioners pressed Fortino for proof of progress and asked when a permit application could be submitted. Fortino said he had the plans and could begin the application process immediately. Commissioners offered a two-week postponement so Fortino could file a permit application; the commission clarified that an application in process (not the issued permit) would be sufficient for the extension.
A commissioner moved to postpone the TUA to the June 18, 2026 planning and zoning meeting to allow the applicant to apply for a building permit; the motion was seconded and carried. No formal vote tally by name was recorded in the transcript.
The commission's action is procedural: staff recommended denial based on lack of demonstrated progress, the applicant requested more time citing storm-related delays, and the commission postponed final action to allow the applicant to show permit activity. The item will return to the planning commission on June 18, 2026 and, if recommended, will be forwarded to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners for final action on June 16, 2026 or subsequent meetings per the board’s schedule.
Staff told commissioners the original TUA, approved in October 2024, had lapsed and that county records showed no building-permit application or site activity for roughly 18 months; staff recommended the commission deny the renewal. Will (staff member) explained the county’s practice of granting a one-year cycle for TUAs and said the application lacked the usual evidence that construction was underway.
The property owner, who identified himself as Fortino, told the commission he had been living in a camper after his house was damaged and later collapsed. “Can I please get it approved because I don't have nowhere to go,” Fortino said, adding that Hurricane Helen delayed contractors and paperwork. He said he now has plans, access to septic, water and electricity, and intends to apply for a building permit as soon as possible.
Commissioners pressed Fortino for proof of progress and asked when a permit application could be submitted. Fortino said he had the plans and could begin the application process immediately. Commissioners offered a two-week postponement so Fortino could file a permit application; the commission clarified that an application in process (not the issued permit) would be sufficient for the extension.
A commissioner moved to postpone the TUA to the June 18, 2026 planning and zoning meeting to allow the applicant to apply for a building permit; the motion was seconded and carried. No formal vote tally by name was recorded in the transcript.
The commission's action is procedural: staff recommended denial based on lack of demonstrated progress, the applicant requested more time citing storm-related delays, and the commission postponed final action to allow the applicant to show permit activity. The item will return to the planning commission on June 18, 2026 and, if recommended, will be forwarded to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners for final action on June 16, 2026 or subsequent meetings per the board’s schedule.
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