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
ZC0310-5

Applicant
Riverstone Community Properties, LLC
Owner
Sommerset Partners & Hyman Associates
Location
5443 Armour Road
Acreage
11.9 acres
Current Zoning Classification
R-1A (Low Density Residential)
Proposed Zoning Classification
R-4 (High 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 and it does not

constitute spot zoning. 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 project, 3) no external trash dumpsters / compactors

shall be located along the property line bordered by the R-1A zoning district,

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

required for all development on the property, 5) a 30-feet undisturbed, natural

vegetated buffer shall be required along the northern property line, and 6) a

sidewalk shall be constructed along Armour Road on the eastern side of the

property.

PLANNING DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Conditional approval based on the fact that although it is not an area that was

identified as a transition area in the 2003 Comprehensive Plan update, it

should have been identified as such. Apartments serve as a transition between

commercial and single family housing. This area is currently identified in the

1998 Comprehensive Plan as General Commercial, which would be incompatible with

this section of Armour Road. It is also 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 6

Land Use Designation: General Commercial
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 3,157 trips per day and

will increase to 4,085 trips per day. The Level Of Service will remain at A

(4,700 trips per day) for Armour Road.
Surrounding Zoning
North ? R-1A (Low Density Residential) &

R-4

(High Density Residential)

South ? C-3 (General Commercial)

East ? C-3 (General Commercial)

West ? I-185
Reasonableness of Request
The proposed zoning classification is compatible with existing land-uses

and is within walking distance of the North Columbus Library, Britt David Park,

and retail.
School Impact
Buffer Requirements
Attitude of Property Owners
Twenty-six (26) property owners within 300 feet were notified of the rezoning

request. The Planning Division received comments opposing this rezoning case.

Additional Information
The PAC recommendation was approved by a vote of 4 to 2.
Attachments
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