John Vedder Jr., owner of Cobbtown Acres, surrendered his business license to the Candler County Commission last week, bringing an end to a battle between the county commission and the new business venture.

In February, Vedder was called to appear before the magistrate court judge after being cited for violations of the county’s campground and sign ordinance in the business’s first month in operation.

Vedder was cited for two violations of the RV Park & Campground Ordinance and two violations of the sign ordinance and was found guilty of all four offenses on February 22.

During the hearing, Vedder admitted to non-compliance with the county’s ordinance, and the $500 fine for each offense was to be held in abeyance for 30 days to allow him an opportunity to comply with the ordinance.

Vedder’s woes continued as he and Kimberly Vedder were sued by the County in Superior Court on February 24 for nuisance violations.

The final consent order in that case, signed by Superior Court Judge Robert Reeves, permanently prohibited the Vedders from running a recreational vehicle park or campground park or attempting to run one in Candler County until they comply with all county regulations. The order also required the owners to surrender the business license and reimburse court costs of $351.17 and to clean and clear any litter or solid waste on the property.

“The decision made by the Board of Commissioners to file suit against Cobbtown Acres was based on a number of factors that included the Board’s determination that the property is in violation of the RV Park & Campground Ordinance, the County Sign Ordinance and the Nuisance Abatement Ordinance,” County Administrator Bryan Aasheim said. “The Commission received complaints from residents and a petition requesting that they take action regarding the property. 

“The Commission supports an individual’s right to operate a business or use his property as he determines; however, the use of that property must comply with local and State laws and not be injurious to the public health and wellbeing.”

Cobbtown Acres offered rental workspace to repair, renovate or completely build a home on wheels for traveling.

The dispute between the county and the Vedders arose because the clients of Cobbtown Acres were allowed to reside in the buses while undergoing renovations, causing the business to fall under the governance of the county’s RV Park ordinance.