Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016

Website: www.columbusga.gov/planning

Staff Report
ZC0307-3

Applicant
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Owner
Same
Location
2100 Hilton Avenue & 2500 Woodcrest Drive
Acreage
11.98 acres
Current Zoning Classification
R-1A (Low Density Residential)
Proposed Zoning Classification
R-3 (Medium Density Residential)
Council District
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The Planning Advisory Commission recommends conditional approval based upon the

fact that although it is not consistent with the future land use map of the

Comprehensive Plan, it is compatible with existing land-uses, it does not

constitute spot zoning, and it will not have a negative impact on the

transportation network. The recommended conditions are: 1) all lighting shall

be directed internally using deflector shields, 2) no external trash dumpsters

/ compactors shall be located along the property lines bordered by the R-1A

zoning district, 3) the properties shall only be used as a church and accessory

facilities, a private school, and / or a day care center, 4) if St. Thomas

Episcopal Church ceases to exist on these properties, then the Planning

Division shall rezone the property back to R-1A, 5) screening for air

conditioners, refrigeration units, and heat pumps shall be required for all

development on the property, and 6) all six (6) conditions shall be permanent

and not subject to any 20-year time limit nor to any time limit whatsoever; the

conditions shall only be removed by applying for a rezoning to amend the

conditions or applying to rezone the property outright.

PLANNING DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Conditional approval based on the fact that it is compatible with existing

land-uses. The recommended conditions are the same as those recommended by the

Planning Advisory Commission.
Fort Benning's Recommendation
DRI Recommendation
General Land use
Property is located in Planning District 8

Land Use Designation: Low Density Residential
Environmental Impacts
The property does not lie within a floodway and floodplain area. The developer

will need an approved drainage plan prior to issuance of a Site Development

permit, if a permit is required.
City Services
Property is served by all city services.
Traffic Impact
The proposed project is not expected to have a negative impact on the

transportation network. The current traffic count is 6,246 trips per day and

will increase to 7,623 trips per day. The Level Of Service will remain at B

(7,900 trips per day) for Hilton Avenue.
Surrounding Zoning
North ? R-1A (Low Density Residential)

South ? R-1A (Low Density Residential)

East ? R-1A (Low Density Residential)

West ? R-1A (Low Density Residential)
Reasonableness of Request
The proposed zoning classification is

compatible

with existing land-uses.
School Impact
Buffer Requirements
Attitude of Property Owners
Fifty-five (55) property owners within 300 feet were notified of the rezoning

request. The Planning Division received one comment opposing this request and

several comments concerning this rezoning request.
Additional Information
St. Thomas has been operating their program for 3 year-olds and 4 year-olds for

43 years. The church is attempting to expand its hours (currently 8:00 AM to

Noon) from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The day care center is currently an existing,

non-conforming use. Once the hours are expanded beyond 4 hours, then a

Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is needed. Since a non-conforming use cannot be

expanded, a CO cannot be issued; therefore, the property must be rezoned and a

Special Exception Use must be requested.
Attachments
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