In a recent meeting of the Construction Board of Appeals in Stonecrest, DeKalb County, significant discussions centered around the ongoing dispute between the city and Metro Green, a recycling facility seeking a certificate of occupancy (CO). The meeting, held on May 15, 2025, highlighted the complexities surrounding zoning compliance and the issuance of necessary permits for Metro Green's operations.

The crux of the debate revolved around whether Metro Green had met all legal requirements for the issuance of the CO. The building official confirmed that both the scale house and the large metal building at the facility were fully completed and had passed all required inspections. However, the city has repeatedly denied the issuance of the CO, citing concerns over zoning compliance and the facility's alignment with the solid waste management plan.

Metro Green's representatives argued that the city’s refusal to issue the CO is unfounded, emphasizing that the facility has consistently complied with all applicable laws and regulations. They pointed out that the city had previously verified the zoning classification of the property and that the court of appeals had ruled in favor of Metro Green on related claims. This ruling, they asserted, should compel the city to issue the CO without further delay.

Conversely, city officials maintained that there are unresolved zoning issues that prevent the issuance of the CO. They argued that the facility's operations, particularly outdoor activities like material crushing, do not comply with the zoning requirements for the M-1 district, which mandates that such activities must occur entirely within a building. The city’s representatives indicated that these zoning concerns were legitimate and warranted further scrutiny.

The meeting also featured testimony from the Community Planning Director, who confirmed that her office conducts thorough reviews of CO applications to ensure compliance with zoning laws. She indicated that inconsistencies had been identified in Metro Green's application, which contributed to the city's decision to deny the CO.

As the discussions unfolded, it became clear that the conflict between Metro Green and the city is not merely a procedural issue but one that reflects broader tensions regarding land use, regulatory compliance, and community planning. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the future of recycling operations in the area and the enforcement of zoning laws.

In conclusion, the Construction Board of Appeals meeting underscored the complexities of navigating local regulations and the challenges faced by businesses seeking to operate within established legal frameworks. As both parties prepare for further hearings, the resolution of this matter remains uncertain, with potential ramifications for similar facilities in DeKalb County.