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-01-16-0041
Applicant: Rob McKenna
Owner: Columbus Botanical Gardens, INC
Location 3603 Weems Road, 071-006-009
Acreage: 18.00 Acres
Current Zoning Classification: SFR1 (Single Family Residential 1)
Proposed Zoning Classification: RO (Residential Office)
Current Use of Property: Undeveloped
Proposed Use of Property: Botanical Gardens and Education
Council District: District 2 (Davis)
Planning Advisory Commission's Recommendation: Approval based on the staff report and
compatibility with existing land uses.
Planning Departments Recommendation: Approval based on compatibility with existing land uses
and future land use within the Comprehensive Plan.
Fort Benning's Rcommendation: N/A
DRI Rcommendation: N/A
General Land Use: Consistent
Planning Area A
Environmental Impacts: A small portion on the Southeast quadrant lies 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: Properties are served by all city services.
Traffic Impact: This rezoning request does not anticipate generating a negative impact
on the transportation network. Current Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) on
Weems Road is 6,540. Projected AADT will be 7,349 and retain a Level of
Service (LOS) of C. AADT for the proposed development will increase by 251
trips a week. Trips will increase by 40 for the weekday, 211 for Saturday and
Sunday will increase by 72 trips.
Surrounding Zoning: North ? GC (General Commercial)
South ? SFR3 (Single Family Residential 3)
East ? SFR2 (Single Family Residential 2)
West ?GC (General Commercial)
Reasonableness of Request The request is compatible with existing land-uses.
School Impact N/A
Buffer Requirements
The site shall include a Category C buffer along all property lines bordered by
the SFR2 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: Eighty five (85) property owners within 300 feet of the
subject properties were notified of the rezoning request. The Planning
Department received two calls and/or emails in opposition regarding the
rezoning.
Additional Information: The Botanical Gardens have been in existence at this location for a
number of years. However, when designated, it was on state property which
supersedes local zoning laws. Today the property belongs to a non-profit and
any expansion fall under said zoning laws.
Attachments:
Attachments