By George Emami
Monroe County, GA — A heated exchange between local resident Eric Dial and county Commissioner Eddie Rowland has brought to light ongoing frustrations surrounding a zoning request for Dial’s agricultural property. The conversation, which reportedly escalated with raised voices and profanities, underscores mounting tensions over zoning regulations and their enforcement.
According to Rowland, Dial expressed anger about delays in having his zoning request addressed. The request, initially submitted in June, was not placed on the docket until September. While Rowland noted that part of the delay may have been due to Dial being out of town, Dial accused the county of intentionally stalling.
“He said he had done everything required to get his compliance letter and variance on the docket,” Rowland stated, adding that Dial believes the county is “playing games” with his request.
At the heart of the dispute are compliance requirements Dial needs to satisfy before his property can be approved for its intended use. Rowland explained that the county identified three key items needing resolution: the driveway, the septic system, and an erosion control plan.
While Dial argued that the driveway does not require a permit, Rowland clarified that increased traffic on the property necessitates approval from the road superintendent. This point became a flashpoint in the conversation. “We disagreed,” Rowland said.
The discussion also touched on Dial’s variance request, which he described as agricultural, though Rowland noted that the property’s use resembled a commercial venture. Dial’s property includes a ballfield and a pole barn used for baseball instruction—both of which, Rowland argued, align more closely with commercial activities.
“He questioned the difference between growing strawberries and growing grass,” Rowland recounted. “I said anyone with any sense could tell the difference between a strawberry patch and a ballfield.” This remark, according to Rowland, further inflamed Dial’s frustrations.
Dial also pushed back on the requirement for an erosion control plan, claiming the project’s scope falls under one acre and should be exempt. Rowland maintained that unless the state’s Soil and Water Conservation office provided an exemption, the requirement remains in place. Dial additionally voiced suspicion over alleged unpermitted visits to his property by unnamed individuals, though Rowland denied any uninvited entry on his part.
Throughout the conversation, Dial accused the county of targeting him and attempting to block his business operations. He expressed confidence that future political changes would diminish the county’s power. Despite the tense exchange, Rowland emphasized that the county’s requirements remain clear: satisfy the necessary agencies’ standards for zoning compliance.
Adding further perspective, Rowland explained the county’s broader responsibility in such matters: “Generally speaking, the local government has an obligation, especially with new property development or expansion of existing development, to reasonably ensure the public who may venture on or around or reside on or around that the property is safe, doesn’t produce any health concerns, doesn’t unnecessarily encumber neighboring or adjoining properties by what can be seen or heard or smelled, and doesn’t put undue burden on county infrastructure or utilities. Failure to respond to reported concerns of any of the above or failure to allow public input prior to such development is a failure of local government to protect the public.”
Dial’s parting words indicated he intended to move forward with his business plans, regardless of the county’s stance. Rowland’s response was firm: “Do whatever you feel you need to do, and the county will do whatever we need to do to enforce the law.”
This unfolding dispute highlights the challenges rural counties face as they balance agricultural land use with growing commercial interests. Whether a resolution can be reached remains to be seen. Our sources say that the parties involved are all being pushed towards a resolution, which sounds like a welcomed thing by many. One thing is for sure… all eyes will be on the next county commission meeting to see how this matter progresses.
