The Columbus Consolidated Government
Planning Department
Post Office Box 1340 Columbus, Georgia 31902-1340
Telephone (706) 653-4116
Fax (706) 653-4120
Website: www.columbusga.org/planning
STAFF REPORT
REZN-3-14-0584
Applicant: The Planning Department
Owner: Housing Authority of Columbus/Development Authority of Columbus Georgia
Location 1532 and 1544 Benning Drive; 3551 Victory Drive; 3512 Levy Drive
Acreage: 17.63 acres
Current Zoning Classification: RMF2 (Residential Multifamily 2)
Proposed Zoning Classification: GC (General Commercial)
Current Use of Property: Demolished Structures (Old Baker High School Site)
Proposed Use of Property: General Restaurant, General Retail, Grocery or Food Store,
Business and Professional Office
Council District: District 3 (Huff)
Planning Advisory Commission's Recommendation: Approval based on the fact that the request is
compatible with existing land uses.
Planning Departments Recommendation: Approval based on the fact that the request is compatible
with existing land uses and partially meets the future land use designation
according to the 2028 Comprehensive Plan.
Fort Benning's Rcommendation: Fort Benning has no objections to the proposed rezoning request.
DRI Rcommendation: N/A.
General Land Use: Partially consistent
Planning Area C
Land Use Designation:
Mixed Use (1532)/Public Institutional (1544)/General Commercial (3551 & 3512)
Environmental Impacts: The properties do not lie within the 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: This rezoning request does not anticipate generating a negative impact
on the transportation network.
This site shall meet the Codes and regulations of the Columbus Consolidated
Government for commercial usage. No significant traffic impact to the
surrounding properties and streets will occur, if access criterion is
addressed. Parking will be reviewed when plans are submitted.
Surrounding Zoning: North ? RMF2 (Residential Multifamily 2)/GC (General Commercial)
South ? GC (General Commercial)
East ? RMF2 (Residential Multifamily 2)/GC (General Commercial)/LMI (Light
Manufacturing Industrial)
West ? RMF2 (Residential Multifamily 2)/GC (General Commercial)/SFR3 (Single
Family Residential 3)
Reasonableness of Request The request is compatible with existing land uses.
School Impact No school impact.
Buffer Requiremnts
The site shall include a Category C buffer along all property lines bordered by
the RMF2 zoning districts. The 3 options under Category C are:
1) 20 feet with a certain amount of canopy trees, under story 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 or masonry wall.
3) 30 feet undisturbed natural buffer.
Attitude of Property Owners: Thirty Two (32) property owners within 300 feet of the
subject properties were notified of the rezoning request. The Planning
Department received two inquiries about this case. They wanted to know more
details about the proposed project.
Additional Information: The City of Columbus has partnered with the Housing Authority to
assemble these parcels to then resell them to a developer for commercial
purposes. The current zoning does not allow for commercial uses; therefore,
rezoning is needed.
Some of these properties are located within the Victory Drive Overlay District,
so additional standards need to be met.
Also, these lots are located within the City?s Enterprise Zone whose main
purpose is to help create employment for its residents and help revitalize the
area.
Attachments: Aerial Land Use Map
Future Land-Use Map
Ft. Benning Proximity Map
Attachments