To jump to these topics on this page, click the links below:

What is a CPOD?	What will be required of properties in a CPOD?
Which roads will it affect?	Which properties will it affect?
When and where are the public hearings?	How can I find out more information?

What is a CPOD?

CPOD stands for Corridor Protection Overlay District.  The CPOD is intended to protect and enhance the environmental and aesthetic quality of major roads in Columbia County.  CPOD requirements are also meant to protect motorists from excessive visual distraction while driving on these important corridors. The CPOD will not change the existing zoning of your property.

The intent of the ordinance is quoted below.  To view the corridor-specific ordinance, click the road name below.  These documents are in PDF format. 

• Fury's Ferry CPOD
• north Washington Road CPOD
• Columbia Road CPOD
• south Washington Road CPOD 

Sec. 90-99. Corridor protection overlay district. (a) A corridor protection overlay district (CPOD) can be established to provide for and encourage the creation of a corridor with a unique identity, and to protect public health, safety and welfare through the preservation of the county's transportation corridors. The adoption of standards in a CPOD for screening, landscaping and aesthetics is necessary to ensure that future development will not degrade the character of these transportation corridors and will maintain or enhance the aesthetics and function of these transportation corridors and their ability to serve as cultural assets for the residents and visitors of Columbia County. Urban design features such as lighting, coordinated signage, street furniture and landscaping should be used to provide visual cues that tie the transportation corridor together. The screening and landscaping requirements within a CPOD are important in protecting motorists by limiting distracting visual clutter and promoting corridor appearance and character. The intent of the design review process is to assure respect for the character, integrity and quality of the built environment of a CPOD; it is not intended to stifle compatible innovative architecture or beneficial economic development. (Section 90-99 in the Columbia County Code of Ordinances)

What will be required of properties in a CPOD?

New developments will be required to meet additional architectural and landscaping standards. Below is a summary of the standards. Building facades must be faced with brick, stucco, stone, wood, or other masonry materials. Some exceptions are made for industrial zones.

• Roofs must be covered with shingles, tiles, standing seam metal, or other similar materials.  Apartments and town homes may not have flat roofs.
• Gutters shall be designed as part of the architectural facade.
• Solid doors must be louvered our paneled.  Glass doors must be clear or leaded.
• Overhead doors for loading areas may only be on the side and rear of buildings. 
• Fences and walls must coordinate with the main structure.  Wood and chain link fences are not permitted.  Some exceptions are made for industrial zones.
• Outbuildings and accessory structures must be constructed of materials matching the main structure.  Metal sheds are not permitted.
• Heating and air equipment, gas and electric meters, garbage receptacles and other unsightly objects must be screened from view with structures constructed of the same material as the main building. 
• Click here to view the resolution approved by the Board of Commissioners concerning the specific requirements of the CPOD properties. 
• Click here to view the sections of code referred to in the CPOD resolution.

Which roads will the CPOD affect?

The Columbia County Planning Commission has requested that the CPOD be established on properties along Fury's Ferry Road, a portion of Washington Road and a portion of Columbia Road. Below are maps of the potential road corridors.  They are in PDF format and will require Adobe Reader.  If you do not have this program, you can download a free and safe copy from the link at the bottom of this page.

• Proposed Fury's Ferry Road CPOD Map
• Proposed north Washington Road CPOD Map
• Proposed Columbia Road CPOD
• Proposed south Washington Road CPOD

Which properties will be affected by the CPOD?

Any property that has frontage on the road and is not zoned a single-family zoning category (R-A, R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, R-3A, or R-4) will be included in the original CPOD.  The CPOD will not change the zoning of a property.  It will only change the architectural and landscaping requirements.

If a lot in the CPOD is combined with another lot that is not in the CPOD, the entire resulting property will be required to meet the additional standards.

If a property with road frontage is rezoned to any category other than a single-family zoning category (R-A, R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, or R-4), it will be brought into the CPOD.

How will this affect my business?

Existing businesses will not be required to "retro-fit" their structures.  However, new additions and new structures will be required to meet these new standards.  If you are repairing or replacing less than 75% (in value) of an existing structure (including fences) you will not be required to meet the new architectural standards. 

Tree density requirements will be the same for CPOD properties as for properties located in the Evans Town Center.  Tree density is a measurement of the amount and size of trees on a property.  All existing and newly planted trees count toward your tree density. Large trees count three times as much as small trees.

Tree density requirements will be judged on a sliding scale according to the value of improvements made in relationship to existing improvements.  You can view this scale below or you are welcome to call the Planning Department at 706-312-7166 for guidance.

When and where are the public hearings?

The public hearings will be held by the Planning Commission at 6:30 PM in the Evans Government Center Auditorium. The public hearings for the CPODs are scheduled below:

• Fury's Ferry Road- September 1, 2005. 
• north Washington Road- September 15, 2005
• Columbia Road- October 6, 2005
• south Washington Road- October 20, 2005

After the public hearing, the Board of Commissioners will hear the text amendment at two readings.  They will make the final decision after the second reading.

How can I find out more information?

You are welcome to contact the Planning and Engineering office at 706-312-7178.  Copies of the existing text, the proposed text amendment and the CPOD Maps can be viewed at the Planning Office, located at 630 Ronald Reagan Drive Building A, from 8 am to 5 pm weekdays.  You can also email Nayna Mistry with any further questions or comments.