By Billy Davis

Panola County’s land commission began its first meeting of 2012 with a stated plan to revisit the requirement that newly permitted businesses provide a hard surface for parking lots.

Land-use rules had originally required a paved parking lot but supervisors eased that restriction in 2006, allowing the use of limestone rock, which creates a hard surface when packed down.

At their January 9 meeting, commissioners discussed easing even the limestone requirement for low-traffic businesses, such as a hair salon that had won a special exception permit earlier in the meeting.

Susan Goodwin, with husband John, sought the permit for their home on Holly Grove Road in the Pleasant Grove community.  

Susan Goodwin said she is adding a room onto their home to operate a part-time salon with a single chair. Customers would come by appointment only, she said.

“It’s a book,” her husband said of the multiple state regulations they must follow for his wife to cut hair in their home.

It wasn’t clear if the Goodwins’ home-based business kicked off discussion of parking lots but their situation was cited as an example to ease restrictions.

“Right now there is no latitude,” noted Danny Walker, the commission chairman.

“A small business like that, it’s not going to disturb anybody,” said commissioner Bob Haltom.

Bob Barber, the commission’s paid consultant, volunteered to review new rules for a “client-based, low traffic” businesses. Commissioners agreed to that suggestion.

In other commission business:

•Commissioners approved a special exception permit for a drive-up restaurant at 3743-A Tom Floyd Road near Como.
David Burton appeared before the commission on behalf of applicant Jacqueline King.

•Under old business, commissioners took no action on a car dealership, Express Auto Sales, located east of Batesville.

Commissioners said they were unhappy with a vague site plan submitted by the applicant.  

The site plan “looks a little crude to me,” said commission Danny Holland.

“I agree. We need better details,” said Walker.

The land commission is scrutinizing plans for the car lot, which is located along Highway 6 East just outside Batesville’s city limits.

Last September, the land commission turned down plans for a salvage yard to operate behind the car lot, fearing an eyesore along the highway frontage. New plans call for only a car dealership.