Development News for Douglasville, Georgia

Variance Approved for Accessory Guest House Placement on Corner Lot

The planning commission heard a request for a variance from section 3.03.B of the unified development ordinance to allow an accessory guest house to be placed along the street frontage for a property zoned R2 single-family residential detached at 6304 Melrose Street. The property has two frontages, along Melrose Street and Estelle Street. The variance is needed because the lot development standards prohibit accessory structures in the front yard, and due to its corner lot status, both frontages could be considered the 'front'. The applicant, Epic Development, represented by Aaron McCulla of HRC Engineers, intends to place the approximately 413 sq ft guest house in the rear yard, adjacent to the carport where the driveway off Estelle Street leads. This structure is intended to provide care for the applicant's grandmother, who lives in the main residence and requires elderly care, offering a place for part-time caregivers and family members to stay. The guest house is within the code requirement of not exceeding 50% of the main house's heated square footage (main house is 1,092 sq ft). The commission recommended approval of the variance.

Planning Commission Recommends Approval for Medical Office Building Rezoning

The planning commission held a public hearing and considered a request for a change in zoning from PUD (Plan Unit Development) and PSP (Public Semi-Public) districts to OI (Office Institutional) jurisdiction district for approximately 0.97 acres of land located at the intersection of Presley Mill Road and Timber Ridge Drive. The applicant, Kimley Horn and Associates, represented by Brent Thomas, aims to develop a 3,000 square foot medical office building. The property is currently vacant grassland, comprised of two parcels that were created through prior land swaps and roadway realignments. The proposed zoning change would allow for a compatible and consistent zoning classification to put the property into practical use. The development is intended to be modest in scale, fitting within the regional activity center character area, and surrounded by similar uses like assisted living facilities, schools, and churches. The development will include 24 parking spaces, appropriate setbacks, landscaped areas, and on-site stormwater management. Utilities are readily available, and the development will connect to existing water and sewer infrastructure without burdening public services. Traffic impact is expected to be minimal, generating approximately 11 vehicles in the AM peak hour and 5-6 vehicles in the PM peak hour. The request is consistent with the comprehensive plan and promotes public health by adding local medical services. The commission recommended approval of the rezoning request.