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A zoning hearing was held by the Magee Board of Aldermen on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, concerning the city’s decision to deny a conditional use permit for Magnolia’s on Main, a property located at 215 1st Avenue NW in Magee.
The original request for a conditional use permit that would enable the property to be used as a “rooming house” was denied by the zoning commission following a hearing held on October 10, 2023, which the Board of Aldermen voted to uphold at its October 17 meeting.
Vince Chatman, the owner of the property in question, appealed to the board, stating that he had obtained the permits required, including the city’s privilege license, which listed his business as a “rooming house.”
Zoning Commission Chairman Jim Ball argued that the conditional use requested for the property strictly prohibited its use as an events venue; and Mary Purvis, who appeared before the board as a concerned citizen, listed numerous events highlighted on the business’s Facebook page as evidence that it does not fit the conditional use of a “rooming house.”
“Is this an AirB&B?” she asked. “Not even close.”
Chatman responded by stating, “That’s old stuff.”
He argued that the events in question were held before he was aware of the restriction on events.
“We’ve cleaned it up,” he said.
Brent Walker addressed the board with a request that the city develop a “welcome packet” for new citizens and businesses that includes zoning rules and regulations so that business owners like Chatman know the city’s expectations before making investments.
Alderman Sammy Tebo made a motion to accept the recommendation of the zoning commission and deny the appeal. The motion carried.
