Commission recommends allowing a restaurant at 4800 Columbia Road with conditions

On July 2 the Columbia County Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions of a change of conditions (RZ260702) that would allow a 3,000-square-foot restaurant at 4800 Columbia Road, a site that had been restricted to a convenience store under a 2016 rezoning condition.

Planning staff said changes to the area since 2016 — including the addition of a traffic signal at South Lobelia Road and nearby commercial redevelopment — make a restaurant a reasonable use. Staff recommended modifying the original condition to permit a restaurant provided the owner, developer and staff agree to a revised site plan that protects existing large trees (10-inch caliper or greater) and adds parking, curb and gutter where required. Staff said the revised plan would total more than 52 parking spaces.

Blue Bill Quarter (speaker 4), the project engineer, told the commission the restaurant would occupy an area already graded and said there is no drive-through on the proposed plan; he described the space as a separate tenant area rather than an addition to the gas station. Commissioners asked about restroom and access arrangements; Quarter said the restaurant would be a separate space and likely require its own facilities.

A resident who spoke in opposition asked for more detail about hours and traffic impacts and worried the commercial change could increase congestion at peak times. After discussion, a commissioner moved to recommend approval with conditions; the motion was seconded and the commission approved the recommendation by voice vote. The file will go to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners on July 21, 2026 for final action.

What happens next: The Board will consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation at the July 21 meeting; staff will work with the applicant on final plan details and conditions.