Paulding County planning commissioners voted to approve application 2025‑17‑Z to rezone a 10‑acre undeveloped tract near Hiram Industrial Drive from its current designation to light industrial, with one stipulation: access to the development must be finalized through the county's plan review process.

The applicant's representative, speaking for AV Capital and Hiram Industrial, described a proposed primary building of about 27,500 square feet with two future 10,000‑square‑foot building footprints shown on the site plan and said the property would be accessed from the Hiram Industrial Drive cul‑de‑sac. The representative told commissioners the access easement is “in place and concept” but that the agreement will be perfected after acquisition and during plan review.

The rezoning request seeks light industrial zoning as a transition from heavier industrial uses on Metromont and Hiram Industrial Drive. The applicant emphasized the development would be consistent in character and scale with existing industrial park buildings and that a code‑required 50‑foot buffer will wrap around the three edges that adjoin residential properties.

Nearby residents raised concerns during public comment. Phil Bradley, who said he owns the property immediately south, told the commission the project would be “literally in my backyard” and that a 50‑foot buffer “doesn't seem like quite enough buffer between my residence and an industrial building.” Barbara Grimes, a neighbor, added that existing tree growth is “fairly new” and may not provide long‑term screening.

Commissioners and staff asked the applicant to confirm whether the easement is recorded; the applicant said the easement agreement exists but will be finalized and recorded after the property sale and as part of plan review. The applicant also confirmed the primary building and front parking areas will be paved and that rear areas may remain graded until additional buildings are proposed.

After the public comment and discussion, a commissioner moved to approve 2025‑17‑Z with the single stipulation that access be determined through the plan review process; the motion passed with the chair announcing the vote as "3 1 and 1." The commission's approval is a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners, and the access details and final site engineering will be resolved in plan review.

The application packet included revised site plans and building renderings the applicant said are representative of the quality they intend to build. The applicant indicated willingness to discuss additional landscaping or replanting to address neighbor concerns.

Action recorded: approval recommendation for 2025‑17‑Z, with stipulation that access be finalized during plan review. Vote tally as announced by the chair: yes 3, no 1, abstain 1.

The commission also noted it will require proof of the easement and other plan review requirements before any permits are issued.