DeKalb County Commission authorized the county’s Planning Commission to move forward with a study and public hearings regarding the potential implementation of countywide zoning.
The decision followed public comments from residents including Perry Watson, who urged the board to take immediate action on land use regulations.
“DeKalb County is open game for anybody, anytime, anywhere,” Watson said. “Nice big target for big undesirable businesses. Action is required now. Ask yourself, do you really care about the citizens of this county, if so, do your duty.”
Watson said the zoning discussion is vital to protect the citizens.
DeKalb County Mayor Patrick Ray said the Planning Commission requested the vote to determine if it should proceed with the evaluation. Ray said the study will include a series of public hearings to gather community input before any final decisions are made.
Ray said the Planning Commission will now begin the formal process of evaluating how zoning could be structured for the county. This study phase is intended to provide the legislative body with a framework for future deliberation.
The push for zoning comes as some residents expressed concerns about industrial expansion and the lack of protections for residential areas.
The commission approved the measure in a 12-2 roll call vote, with Commissioners Bruce Parsley and Greg Matthews casting the dissenting votes.
