Manchester Planning and Zoning Board Charts Course Toward Smarter Growth and Technology Integration
Manchester, GA – July 2025
The City of Manchester’s Planning and Zoning Board convened its regular monthly meeting with a clear agenda: approving minutes, planning future work sessions, and advancing the city’s approach to zoning through smarter, more efficient technology. Despite the absence of Vice Chair Brenda Pearson, the board achieved a quorum and proceeded through a productive and forward-looking session.
Formal Approvals and Administrative Updates
The board swiftly approved minutes from the May and June meetings, clarifying that no meeting occurred in April due to a lack of quorum. One point of emphasis was ensuring that all board members receive copies of the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Manchester Strategic Plan, both of which are key documents guiding future zoning decisions. These will be distributed via thumb drives due to their size.
Work Sessions Set to Begin in August
A significant outcome of the meeting was the establishment of regular monthly work sessions, set to begin August 14 at 5:00 PM, an hour before the standard meeting time. The sessions are designed to foster discussion on upcoming zoning issues, strategic planning, and technology implementations. The board acknowledged potential scheduling conflicts with the Downtown Development Authority (MDA), which meets the same day, but agreed to trial the new format and adjust if needed.
Moving Toward Digital Zoning Tools
One of the most substantial conversations of the night centered on zoning software and digital accessibility. City Manager Tim Poyn and members of the board discussed options for replacing or upgrading the city’s outdated zoning system. A key proposal involved integrating Manchester’s zoning data with Meriwether County’s QPublic system, potentially avoiding expensive new software while still improving access and functionality.
“The first step is correcting discrepancies in zoning classifications between city and county records,” Poyn noted. “Once that’s done, we can explore licensing the county’s existing platform, which could save taxpayers significant money.”
Several board members expressed interest in joining the city manager on a visit to Meriwether County to see the system firsthand and understand its capabilities.
Code Enforcement Gets a Boost
A noteworthy update came with the introduction of Audrey Labriola as the city’s new Zoning Administrator and news that code enforcement has been rebranded as the City Marshal’s Office. With the appointment of a dedicated marshal, enforcement will now escalate more rapidly when compliance is not met. The city plans to move beyond repeated warnings and issue citations where necessary, streamlining the process through future software solutions.
“We want residents to take pride in their neighborhoods,” one board member stated. “This is about protecting property values and encouraging responsible ownership.”
Eyes on the Future
The meeting concluded with discussions on training and future topics for the August work session, including how technology can support zoning, code enforcement, and public transparency. Ideas ranged from better user access to zoning rules to supporting small business growth downtown.
As Chair and board members emphasized throughout the meeting, the goal is clear: modernize zoning operations, protect city resources, and make Manchester a more livable, accessible, and attractive community.
For updates on upcoming meetings or to submit a topic for the next work session, residents are encouraged to contact the Manchester Planning and Zoning Board or visit the city’s website
Planning and Zoning Board Meeting Summary
Date: July 2025
Location: City of Mancheste
1. Opening and Agenda Approval
- The meeting was called to order and a quorum was confirmed.
- The agenda was reviewed and adopted unanimously.
2. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
- May 8, 2025: Minutes were approved with clarification that no April meeting was held due to lack of quorum.
- Members requested copies of the Comprehensive Plan and Manchester Strategic Plan. It was agreed that these would be provided on thumb drives due to their size.
- June 12, 2025: Minutes approved. Clarification was made that a PowerPoint presentation expected in June did not occur. No amendments were deemed necessary.
3. Work Session Scheduling
- The board discussed holding regular work sessions.
- It was agreed to begin work sessions starting August 14 at 5:00 PM, before the regular meeting.
- Discussion included possibly adjusting the schedule in the future based on effectiveness and potential conflicts with the Manchester Downtown Development Authority (MDA) meetings.
4. Software and Zoning Database Discussion
- Board members and the City Manager discussed plans to modernize zoning systems.
- The goal is to avoid unnecessary costs by integrating with Meriwether County’s interactive zoning map (hosted on QPublic).
- Members discussed discrepancies in zoning codes between the city and county databases and emphasized the need for accuracy and accessibility.
- Board members expressed interest in joining the City Manager on a visit to Meriwether County to explore this integration further.
- Discussion included software options like CivicPlus and ArcGIS, and concerns about IT resource limitations.
5. Code Enforcement Updates
- Introduction of Audrey Labriola as the new Zoning Administrator.
- Rebranding of code enforcement as the City Marshal’s office.
- Increased issuance of citations was discussed for ongoing violations after multiple warnings.
- The goal is to encourage compliance and beautification of Manchester.
6. Board Training
- Board training is scheduled for August 21, with lodging and per diem covered by the city.
- Training will not conflict with the August board meeting.
7. Future Topics for Work Sessions
- Suggestions included:
- PowerPoint presentation on zoning software.
- Improving resident access to zoning information and code requirements.
- Supporting new business development downtown.
- Review of individual case studies, like shed placement disputes, for software impact analysis.
8. Adjournment
- With no new zoning requests presented, the meeting was adjourned after a formal motion and second.