Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

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

Council Members

PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING

April 11, 2007



A meeting of the Planning Advisory Commission was held Wednesday, April 11,

2007 in the Council Chambers on the Plaza Level of the Government Center.



Commissioners Present: Chairperson Karl Douglass, Commissioners Scott Boyce,

Chris Henson, Cathy Hodge, Alternate Ron Smith (who will be voting for Vice

Chairperson Joe Alexander).



Staff Members: Will Johnson, Planning Chief and Tina Trant, Planning Technician



Commissioners Absent: Vice Chairperson Joe Alexander and Commissioner Michael

Eddings.



Others Present: Tom Craddock, Bob Koon, Judith Wright, Gardener Wright, James

Jackson, Edward Kinner, Joe Waldrep, David Cummings, Dave Mattson, Larry King,

J.R. Ramsay III, Mary Ramsay, Mary Walden, Beverly Kinner, James Wilkoff,

William Steele, John B. Wine, Jeanne W. Poole, Ed Poole, Jacob Wisenall, Jr.,

A. J. Allen, Bernice Bias, George Lawrence, Julie Bray, Don Langford, John

Tanzine, Allan Kamensky, Barbara Kamensky, Linda Nguyen, April Hocutt, Michael

Silverstein, Susan Silverstein, Sam Murphree, Leland Davis, Tony Adams, Betsy

Leebern, Ron Davis, Carol Anderson, Susan Paris, Linda Logen, Kathy Postma, Mat

Waldrep, Janice Townsend, Glynnis Spencer, Karen Harper, Linda Shuman, Terry

Shuman, C. L. Moffitt, John Fatum, Sally Lassiter.



I. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Douglass called the meeting to order at 9:03

a.m. He

explained the rezoning process to the audience. Alternate Ron Smith will be

voting for Vice Chairperson Alexander.



II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 21, 2007. Commissioner Henson made a

motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Hodge seconded. They were

approved unanimously.



III. REZONING CASES:



ZC0702-4: A request to rezone various properties on Layfield Road. The

current zoning is RE1 (Residential Estate 1). The proposed zoning is RE5

(Residential Estate 5) and RE10 (Residential Estate 10). The property is being

used for single family residential - undeveloped and will continue to be used

for single family residential - undeveloped. The Planning Department is the

applicant. (Chuck McClure, Seda Land, Tim Gibbons, Mike Jackson, Johnny

Jackson, Harley McIntire are the owners).



Mr. Will Johnson read the Staff Report for this case. This case is consistent

with the Comprehensive Plan for Planning District 4. The Land Use Designation

shows Rural Residential.



Policy Statements: Residential Development policy statement #3, Sub-statement

#2.



It is compatible with existing land uses.



The properties do not lie within a floodplain and floodway area. The developer

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

Permit, if a permit is required.



The property is served by all city services.



The proposed project is not expected to have a negative impact on the

transportation network.



The site shall meet the codes and regulations of the Columbus Consolidated

Government for residential usage.



School Impact: None.



Buffer Requirement: None.



Fort Benning Recommendation: None.



DRI Recommendation: None.



Thirty-six (36) property owners within 300 feet were notified of this rezoning

request. The Planning Department did not receive any comments concerning this

rezoning request.



Conditions: None.



Additional information: None.



Chairperson Douglass asked for discussion and a motion. Commissioner Boyce

made a motion to approve this rezoning case based on the facts that it is

consistent with the future land use map and it is compatible with existing land

uses. Commissioner Hodge seconded. It was approved unanimously.





ZC0703-2: A request to rezone the .30 acres located at 3515 Macon Road. The

current zoning is NC (Neighborhood Commercial). The proposed zoning is GC

(General Commercial). The property will be used for a Title Pawn. David

Cummings is the applicant.



Mr. Will Johnson read the Staff Report for this case. This case is consistent

with the Comprehensive Plan for Planning District 7. The Land Use Designation

shows General Commercial.



Policy Statements: Do not address.



It is compatible with existing land uses.



The property does not lie within a floodplain and floodway area. The developer

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

Permit, if a permit is required.



The property is served by all city services.



The proposed project is not expected to have a negative impact on the

transportation network.



The site shall meet the codes and regulations of the Columbus Consolidated

Government for commercial usage.



School Impact: None.



Buffer Requirement: None.

Fort Benning Recommendation: None.



DRI Recommendation: None.



Fifteen (15) property owners within 300 feet were notified of this rezoning

request. The Planning Department did not receive any comments concerning this

rezoning request.



Conditions: None.



Additional information: None.



David Cummings, representative of the applicant, came to the podium. They want

to use this building for a Title Pawn business. There will be some

improvements to the building.



Chairperson Douglass asked for discussion and a motion. Commissioner Boyce

made a motion to approve this rezoning case based on the facts that is

compatible with existing land uses and it is consistent with the future land

use map. Commissioner Henson seconded. It was approved unanimously.





3. ZC0703-3: A request to rezone the property located at 5388 Veterans

Parkway. The current zoning is NC (Neighborhood Commercial). The proposed

zoning is GC (General Commercial). The property will be used for offices.

Murray Calhoun, III is the applicant.



Mr. Will Johnson read the Staff Report for this case. This case is consistent

with the Comprehensive Plan for Planning District 5. The Land Use Designation

shows General Commercial.



Policy Statements: Do not address.



It is compatible with existing land uses.



The property does not lie within a floodplain and floodway area. The developer

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

Permit, if a permit is required.



The property is served by all city services.



The proposed project is not expected to have a negative impact on the

transportation network.



The site shall meet the codes and regulations of the Columbus Consolidated

Government for commercial usage.



School Impact: None.



Buffer Requirement: The proposed development shall have a Category C buffer

requirement along all property lines bordered by the SFR3 zoning district. The

three options under Category C are:

1. 20 feet with a certain amount of canopy trees, understory tree 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 or masonry wall.

3. 30 feet undisturbed natural buffer.



Fort Benning Recommendation: None.



DRI Recommendation: None.



Fifteen (15) property owners within 300 feet were notified of this rezoning

request. The Planning Department did receive one comment concerning this

rezoning request.



Conditions: None.



Additional information: None.



Murray Calhoun, owner and representative of the three other owners, came to the

podium. He wants to use this building for a Temporary Employment Agency. An

employment agency is not allowed in NC. A.G. Edwards will still be there.



Mr. Paul Thomas of Evangel Temple, next door to this property came to the

podium. There are several uses that he would like excluded form the

ordinance.



Chairperson Douglass asked for discussion and a motion. Commissioner Boyce

made a motion to approve this rezoning case based on the facts that is

compatible with existing land uses and it is consistent with the future land

use map and one condition: certain uses be prohibited pertaining to

automobiles, boats, trailers, convenience store etc. Commissioner Henson

seconded. It was approved unanimously.



ZC0610-1: A request to rezone 1.54 acres located at 6900 River Road. The

current zoning is Residential / Office zoning district. The proposed zoning is

General Commercial zoning district. The property will be used for a pharmacy.

Paradise Development Group is the applicant. (This case was scheduled for PAC

on November 15, 2006 but was tabled at the request of the applicant and again

on March 7, 2007 because of the March 1 tornado.)



Mr. Will Johnson read the Staff Report for this case. This case is

inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan for Planning District 2. The Land Use

Designation shows High Density Residential.



Policy Statements: Do not address.



It is compatible with existing land uses.



The property does not lie within a floodplain and floodway area. The developer

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

Permit, if a permit is required.



The property is served by all city services.



The proposed project is not expected to have a negative impact on the

transportation network.



The site shall meet the codes and regulations of the Columbus Consolidated

Government for commercial usage.



School Impact: None.



Buffer Requirement: The proposed development shall have a Category A buffer

requirement along all property lines bordered by the RO zoning district. The

three options under Category A are:

1. 5 feet with a certain amount of ornamental grasses per 100 linear feet and a

wood fence or masonry wall.

2. 10 feet with a certain amount of canopy trees, understory trees and shrubs /

ornamental grasses per 100 linear feet.

3. 20 feet undisturbed natural buffer.



Fort Benning Recommendation: None.



DRI Recommendation: None.



Ninety-six (96) property owners within 300 feet were notified of this rezoning

request. The Planning Department received comments opposing this rezoning

request.



Conditions: None.



Additional information: None.



Joe Waldrep, representative of Paradise Development Group, came to the podium.

His client wants to put a Walgreens Drugstore on this property. General

Commercial is requested rather than NC because the building will be larger than

5,000 sq. ft. Parking requirements will not be met and will require a

variance. A traffic study has been done and has been provided to the City.

Access to the store will be from Mobley Road and River Road.



Mr. Robert Koon of Spring Harbor Assisted Living Facility came to the podium.

He represents a group that is in favor of the rezoning.



Allen Kamensky of Green Island Drive, John Tanzine of 6900 Gaines Creek Road,

Ed Kenner of 6814 Creek View Court, Sally Lassiter of Ranch Forest, Ed Poole of

Green Island Drive, Gardner Wright of 6603 Woodberry Road and Glynnis Spencer

of Green Island Hills are all opposed to the rezoning because of heavy traffic

that River Road can?t handle, there are other drug stores in the area ?

Walgreens is not needed. They have been fighting for 11 years to keep

development out of their area.



Chairperson Douglass asked for discussion and a motion. Commissioner Hodge

made a motion to deny this rezoning case based on the facts that it

inconsistent with the future land use map and residents in the area are opposed

to the rezoning. Commissioner Henson seconded. This case was denied three

(Hodge, Henson, Boyce) to one (Smith).





ZC0703-1: A request to rezone 1.2 acres located at 4730 & 4744 Warm Springs

Road. The current zoning is SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1). The proposed

zoning is GC (General Commercial). The property will be used for a parking

lot. H & S Brokerage Company is the applicant.



Mr. Will Johnson read the Staff Report for this case. This case is consistent

with the Comprehensive Plan for Planning District 3. The Land Use Designation

shows Mixed Commercial / Industrial.



Policy Statements: Do not address.



It is compatible with existing land uses.



The property does not lie within a floodplain and floodway area. The developer

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

Permit, if a permit is required.



The property is served by all city services.



The proposed project is not expected to have a negative impact on the

transportation network.



The site shall meet the codes and regulations of the Columbus Consolidated

Government for commercial usage.



School Impact: None.



Buffer Requirement: The proposed development shall have a Category C buffer

requirement along all property lines bordered by the SFR1 zoning district. The

three options under Category C are:

1. 20 feet with a certain amount of canopy trees, understory tree 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 or masonry wall.

3. 30 feet undisturbed natural buffer.



Fort Benning Recommendation: None.



DRI Recommendation: None.



Twenty-six (26) property owners within 300 feet were notified of this rezoning

request. The Planning Department did not receive any comments concerning this

rezoning request.



Conditions: None.



Additional information: None.



Frank Wilcox, of H &S Brokerage Company, came to the podium. He wants to

expand his business and put in a parking lot on these two lots and put a fence

around it.



Chairperson Douglass asked for discussion and a motion. Commissioner Henson

made a motion to approve this rezoning case based on the facts that it

consistent with the future land use map and it is compatible with existing land

uses. Commissioner Boyce seconded. This case was approved unanimously.





6. ZC0702-1: A request to rezone .75 acres located at 6344 & 6366 Buena Vista

Road. The current zoning is NC (Neighborhood Commercial). The proposed zoning

is GC (General Commercial). The property will be used for storage units.

Johnny Cato is the applicant.





Mr. Will Johnson read the Staff Report for this case. This case is consistent

with the Comprehensive Plan for Planning District 11. The Land Use Designation

shows Low Density Residential.



Policy Statements: Do not address.



It is compatible with existing land uses.



The property does not lie within a floodplain and floodway area. The developer

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

Permit, if a permit is required.



The property is served by all city services.



The proposed project is not expected to have a negative impact on the

transportation network.



The site shall meet the codes and regulations of the Columbus Consolidated

Government for commercial usage.



School Impact: None.



Buffer Requirement: The proposed development shall have a Category C buffer

requirement along all property lines bordered by the SFR3 zoning district. The

three options under Category C are:

1. 20 feet with a certain amount of canopy trees, understory tree 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 or masonry wall.

3. 30 feet undisturbed natural buffer.



Fort Benning Recommendation: None.



DRI Recommendation: None.



Thirty (30) property owners within 300 feet were notified of this rezoning

request. The Planning Department received one comment opposing this rezoning

request.



Conditions: None.



Additional information: None.



Johnny Cato came to the podium. He wants to use this property for a

mini-storage facility.



Chairperson Douglass asked for discussion and a motion. Commissioner Henson

made a motion to approve this rezoning case based on the facts that it

consistent with the future land use map and it is compatible with existing land

uses. Commissioner Smith seconded. This case was approved unanimously.





IV. SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS: None







TEXT AMENDMENTS:



7. ZC0702-8: Panhandle Overlay District. This case was tabled until the

Planning Advisory Commissioners could have a work session to discuss this text

amendment.





VI. NEW BUSINESS: None.



VII. OLD BUSINESS: None.



VIII. ADJOURNMENT: 10:40 A.M.











_________________________________

____________________________________

Karl Douglass, Chairperson Will Johnson, Planning

Department Chief











Attachments


No attachments for this document.

Back to List