The Walton County Planning Commission approved rezoning case Z240065 to rezone 9.05 acres on Highway 78 to B-3 to allow a tree service operation and an auto repair shop.

Tip Hoehn of Alcovey Consulting Engineering presented the application for owner Jose Alexander Lemus, saying the property is currently vacant and that Georgia DOT (Christopher Hatch) reviewed the proposed access location and indicated the planned access is acceptable subject to design details. Hoehn said the applicant will keep a 50-foot transitional buffer where the site adjoins A-1 zoning and will provide a deceleration lane as required by DOT.

Hoehn described two separate buildings for the site: one to house the tree service equipment and one for auto repair, each approximately 4,500 square feet (100 by 45 feet). He said roll-up doors and repair bays will face side or rear entries rather than Highway 78. Hoehn said customer parking will be at the front of the buildings and that outdoor equipment and vehicle storage would be located behind the buildings, screened and fenced as required under county ordinances.

Owner Jose Lemus told the commission his tree service operates crews that go to jobs and do not remain on site for the day; he estimated a combined total of about 15 pieces of equipment for his operations and that a future mechanic tenant might have roughly 15–20 vehicles on-site at times. Lemus said he had not executed a lease with a mechanic tenant but was discussing the possibility.

Commissioners asked about debris, overnight storage limits for vehicles and paving for rear access; the applicant said those details would be addressed on the site plan and that the applicant would meet county outdoor-storage and fencing requirements. Hoehn said the design includes a 250-foot deceleration lane with a 100-foot taper for the split, divided highway.

The commission voted to approve the rezoning “as submitted” by voice vote with no opposition recorded. The packet notes that Georgia DOT design and county development standards still apply and must be met during permitting and site engineering.