Session with county's planning staff will help demystify zoning

Editor:

We all see those red "Z" zoning signs posted on property throughout the county on a regular basis, but do citizens understand what the C-1, C-2, P-1, R-A, R-1, and TR zoning designations mean or what kinds of structures, homes, or businesses will be constructed under those designations?

Today from 6-9 p.m., we will have an opportunity to learn not only what the zoning designations mean, but also how the zoning process works, the time elements involved, special zoning issues like overlays, variances, restrictions, planned developments and how this all fits in with our

five-year Growth Management Plan, which is the roadmap to our future as the county continues to develop.

Columbia County's Planning and Development staff will conduct a zoning seminar at the Government Complex Auditorium. There will be plenty of time

for questions and answers, and it is free as a public service. The Coalition for CHANGE is endorsing this seminar and encourages all citizens to attend.

As a courtesy, attendees are asked to call the Planning and Development Office at 868-3400 or email Planning Director Jeff Browning at jbrowning at co.columbia.ga.us to reserve a seat.

The Coalition for CHANGE would also like to remind citizens that the Planning Commission will continue the public hearing for the proposed

amendment to the C-C zoning district Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The zoning seminar will help everyone understand the discussions that will take place

at this zoning district public hearing.

Jeri Whitworth, RHIA

Evans