Big boxes beware. A unanimous recommendation Thursday by Tyrone Planning Commission would set the maximum size of retail buildings at 30,000 square feet. The recommendation came after a public hearing on an amendment to the town’s zoning ordinance that would limit the size of retail commercial buildings.

The commission also recommended that the town council consider input from attorney Brad Sears on the need for upgrading any variance criteria that might be needed.

Prior to the vote, commissioners heard a history of the ordinance. The mayor and town council recently asked Sears to review the ordinance, said Town Manager Barry Amos.

Town consultant Jonathan Lewis also recommended approval of the measure.

“So today, this amendment strengthens the prohibition against big boxes,” Amos said. “So the maximum becomes 30,000 square feet for commercial zoning.”

Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning allowed construction of larger commercial buildings, such as the Publix store on Ga. Highway 74. Outside that shopping center there is no other PUD zoning available in the town.

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