Development News for Woodstock, Georgia

Woodstock Council Approves Mixed-Use Development with Condition Modifications and Variances

The council approved a motion to approve a conditional use permit, rezoning, and variances for 8261 Main Street, with modifications to previously approved conditions and new variances. The applicant proposed to change the site design from two large mixed-use buildings to three smaller buildings totaling 9,300 sq ft of commercial space, with 34 townhomes behind. This represents a reduction in density from the original 38 units and a decrease in commercial square footage. The changes included modifications to three zoning conditions and two variances: one for access off Main Street and one for a reduced sidewalk width. The council approved the motion with specific conditions, including ensuring no on-street parking except in designated areas and memorializing this in HOA covenants. The motion passed 4-2, with Councilmen Johnson and Ake voting in opposition.

Woodstock Council Denies Gas Station Proposal on Main Street

The council denied a conditional use permit and variance requests for a gas station and convenience store at 9845 Main Street. The applicant proposed to replace an existing 3,321 sq ft building with a new 4,000 sq ft store, including four fuel pumps and underground tanks. The requests included a CUP for a gas station, a variance to reduce the front setback from 40 ft to 20 ft, and a variance to reduce required parking from 16 spaces to 12. Staff noted that the proposal did not meet gateway overlay requirements for landscaping and screening, and did not align with the 'Workplace Center' comprehensive plan designation. Both the Development Process Committee and the Planning Commission had unanimously recommended denial of the CUP and variances. The council voted six to zero to deny the application.

Woodstock Council Tables Warehouse Rezoning, Approves Residential Development with Amendments

The council considered a rezoning and conditional use permit for 125 Lorain Parkway to develop a warehouse distribution facility. The applicant sought to rezone from General Commercial (GC) to Light Industrial (LI), with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for warehouse distribution and a variance for architectural materials. The proposal aligned with the 'Workplace Center' future land use designation. Concerns were raised by residents regarding noise, traffic, and visual impact. Numerous conditions of approval were discussed and refined, including measures for buffering, lighting, truck traffic, and noise control. The applicant proposed modifications to conditions related to sound barriers, dumpster specifications, and tenant limitations. The council voted to table the rezoning, CUP, and variance requests until June 8th to allow for further review and discussion of specific conditions, particularly concerning traffic studies, sound buffering, and architectural elevations. Separately, a public hearing was held for a 113-unit single-family development at 9845 Main Street, involving rezoning from DTRO to DTMRA and a CUP for townhomes. This project also involved several variances for setbacks, streetscape standards, unit orientation, and front porches. The council approved the rezoning, CUP, and variances with several amendments, including reducing the rental unit percentage to 10%, requiring single-family detached homes to front Barnesdale Terrace, limiting townhomes to a maximum of 57 units, and ensuring final site plan approval by the Development Process Committee with specific conditions.

Woodstock City Council Approves First Reading of FY2027 Budget, Including Millage Rollback and Capital Investments

The City Council reviewed and approved the first reading of the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, totaling $104 million, with a projected 9.7% increase over the amended Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The budget includes a rollback millage rate, a 4% increase in water and sewer rates, and funds for various capital projects including road improvements, park developments, and fire station construction. Key personnel changes include several reclassifications and new positions, particularly related to the opening of new fire stations. The budget also incorporates a full year of a 1% cost-of-living adjustment and a merit program. Reserves will be used to offset certain costs, and a 5-year comprehensive transportation plan is budgeted. The City Manager was authorized to approve use of operating contingency with reserves and handle personnel adjustments with exceptions. The budget passed with a six to zero vote on the first reading, with final approval set for June 8th. Additionally, two emergency moratorium ordinances were approved: a 30-day moratorium on new applications for annexed properties and a 120-day moratorium to allow for zoning processes.