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
ZC0407-2

Applicant
David Cummings
Owner
Columbus Sign Company
Location
1213 18th Street
Acreage
0.16 acre
Current Zoning Classification
R-3A (Medium Density Residential)
Proposed Zoning Classification
C-3 (General Commercial)
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

1998 Comprehensive Plan, it is consistent with the future land-use map of the

East Highlands Revitalization Plan, it is compatible with existing land-uses,

and it must meet all buffer requirements. The recommended conditions are: 1)

all lighting shall be directed internally using deflector shields, 2) any

external trash dumpsters / compactors shall be visually obstructed by a

structure that is aesthetically similar to the proposed development, 3)

screening for air conditioners, refrigeration units, and heat pumps shall be

required for all development on the property, and 4) a deceleration lane shall

be required as determined by the City Traffic Engineer.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Conditional approval based on the fact that it is compatible with existing

land-uses and is located on a block that has been in transition from

residential to office for some time. The recommended conditions are the same

as those recommended by the Planning Advisory Commission with one additional

condition: the principal structure on the property subject to rezoning shall be

utilized as part of the development; it shall not be moved or demolished.
Fort Benning's Recommendation
N/A
DRI Recommendation
General Land use
Property is located in Planning District 8

Land Use Designation: Medium 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 3,802 trips per day and

will increase to 3,976 trips per day. The Level Of Service will remain at A

(4,700 trips per day) for 18th Street.
Surrounding Zoning
North ? R-3A (Medium Density Residential)

South ? C-3 (General Commercial)

East ? R-3A (Medium Density Residential)

West ? C-3 (General Commercial)
Reasonableness of Request
The proposed zoning classification is compatible with existing land-uses.
School Impact
None.
Buffer Requirements
The proposed development shall have a Category C buffer requirement along the

eastern property line. The 3 options under Category C are:

1) 20 feet with a certain amount of canopy trees, understory trees, and shrubs

/ ornamental grasses per 100 linear feet

2) 10 feet with a certain amount of shrubs / ornamental grasses per 100 linear

feet and a wood fence, masonry wall, or earth berm

3) 30 feet undisturbed natural buffer.
Attitude of Property Owners
Fifty (50) property owners within 300 feet were notified of the rezoning

request. The Planning Division did receive comments opposing this rezoning

request.
Additional Information
None.
Attachments
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