The Coweta County Commission responded to requests to give shoppers more choices when looking for fresh produce by approving an ordinance amendment Aug. 18 that provides for both temporary and permanent produce stands to be located along some of the county’s most frequently traveled roadways.
County Planning Director Robert Tolleson in a recent letter to commissioners said his department had received numerous requests pertaining to the permitting of produce stands at major crossroads in the county. Tolleson in the letter noted that a majority of the requested locations were situated within the boundaries of the county’s Quality Development Corridor District that prohibits the sale of outside goods.
The county’s Quality Development Corridor Districts are situated along some of the county’s most heavily traveled roadways. Among those are Ga. highways 15, 29, 34 and 70.
Tolleson in addressing the reasons for responding to community requests to amend the Zoning and Development Ordinance said produce stands strengthen the local food system by providing a greater range of options for residents to purchase fresh, nutritious food. Tolleson also noted that direct marketing to consumers increases the viability of small and local farms, adding that the county seeks to foster a rural atmosphere.
As a result, the planning department recommended that the Coweta County Zoning and Development Ordinance be amended to establish appropriate zoning districts for both temporary and permanent produce stands and to provide regulations for their use and development.
Tolleson recommended and the commission approved a number of components pertaining to the amended ordinance.
Temporary produce stands inside the Quality Development Corridor District can be reviewed and approved administratively provided:
-maximum duration of the stand is three months;
-tents of a neutral color will be required and no truck or trailer sales without a tent will be allowed;
-maximum canopy size is 400 square feet;
-site must have adequate drive access and be accompanied by a letter from the appropriate transportation agency; and
-produce stands would be allowed in Commercial, Neighborhood Business, Commercial Retail and Commercial Convenience Store zoning districts provided adequate parking and access is available.
Permanent produce stands will be reviewed and approved by commissioners with a conditional use permit provided:
-design of the permanent stand meets appropriate commercial architectural standards;
-stand must be an accessory use on an improved lot with adequate parking; and
-site must have adequate drive access as demonstrated by a letter from the appropriate transportation agency.
