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

July 19, 2006



A meeting of the Planning Advisory Commission was held Wednesday, July 21, 2006

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



Commissioners Present: Chairperson Shields, Vice Chairperson Shep Mullin,

Commissioners Chris Henson, Brad Dodds, and Bob Crane.



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



Commissioners Absent: Commissioners Karl Douglass and Joe Alexander,

Alternates Scott Boyce and Michael Eddings.



Others Present: Mike Russell, Cathy Phillips, David Erickson, Chris Seldon,

Betty Selby, Nixon Maxey, Rick Gordon, Richard Bishop, Nathan McCann.



I. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Shields called the meeting to order at

9:05 a.m. He explained the rezoning process to the audience.



II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Dodds made a motion to approve

the minutes for June 21, 2006. Commissioner Henson seconded. They were

approved unanimously.



III. REZONING CASES:



ZC0606-1: A request to change Condition #5 in Ordinance 03-77 as it pertains

to a 6? privacy fence requirement along the property line. Some residents in

the area would rather have trees as a buffer. The Planning Department is the

applicant.



Mr. Will Johnson read the Staff Report for this case. In the Spring of 2006,

the three residents at the end of Whitesville Walk Drive asked Don Bowles, one

of the developers of Silver Lake Subdivision, not to build a privacy fence

behind their property. Mr. Bowles stated that he was bound by ordinance to

build the fence. Mr. Bowles informed the residents that he would be glad to

honor their wishes but it would have to be amended by Council. The

aforementioned residents contacted City staff and Council members concerning

the fence.



At the request of members of Council, the Planning Department has initiated the

process of amending Ordinance 03-77. A new condition would be added and would

state:



9. The properties designated as 1033, 1035, 1037, 1039 and 1041 Red Maple Way

shall not be required to meet the buffer requirements of condition #5 of

Ordinance 03-77. Said properties shall be buffered from Whitesville Walk by 7-

gallon Leland Cypress trees.





Chairperson Shields asked for discussion and a motion. Vice Chairperson Mullin

made a motion to approve the amendment of Ordinance 03-77. Commissioner Dodds

seconded. The case was unanimously approved.

ZC0606-2: A request to rezone the property located at 5019 Armour Road. The

current zoning is Residential - Office. The proposed zoning is General

Commercial. The property will be used for a sign company. Sign Makers, Inc. 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 Mixed Office/ Commercial.



Policy Statements are not addressed.



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.



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 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.



Fort Benning Recommendation: None



DRI Recommendation: None.



Thirty-one (31) property owners within 300 feet were notified of this rezoning

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

rezoning request.



Conditions needed: None.



Additional information: This property was rezoned to RO district in 2005.

Sign Makers now is approximately 2 blocks south of this location on the

opposite side of Armour Road.



Adam Rosenberg, owner of the business, 5019 Armour Road. He is renting now and

wants to move to 5019 Armour Road. He owns this property.



Chairperson Shields asked for discussion and a motion. Commissioner Dodds made

a motion to approve the 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 Henson seconded. The case was unanimously approved.





ZC0606-3: A request to rezone 2.00 acres located at 4621, 4623 and 4627 Milgen

Road. The current zoning is Light Manufacturing Industrial. The proposed

zoning is Residential Multi-Family 1. The property will be used for

townhouses. Moon Family Corp. 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 Mixed Commercial/Industrial



Policy Statements are not addressed.



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.



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: This development could have a maximum of 10 children of various

ages. Elementary School - Gentian Elementary, 488 students, capacity 513.

Middle School - Fort Middle School, 525 students, capacity 600.

High School ? Hardaway High, 1,370 students, capacity 1,250.



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

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

three options under Category A are: 1 ? 5 feet with a certain amount of shrubs

/ ornamental grasses per 100 linear feet and a wood fence or masonry wall. 2 ?

10 feet with a certain amount of understory trees or shrubs / ornamental

grasses per 100 linear feet. 3 ? 20 feet undisturbed natural buffer.



Fort Benning Recommendation: None



DRI Recommendation: None.



Thirteen (13) property owners within 300 feet were notified of this rezoning

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

rezoning request.



Conditions needed: None.



Additional information: 20 units are proposed.



Nathan McGann, representative of the Moon Family Properties, came to the

podium. They want to build 20 town homes on this property. They will be 2 and

3 bedroom units. They will be 1300 sq. ft and cost approximately $175,000.

There are two apartment complexes across the street.



Chairperson Shields asked for discussion and a motion. Commissioner Dodds made

a motion to approve the rezoning case for town homes based on the facts that

even though it is inconsistent with the future land use map, it is compatible

with existing land uses and all city services are provided. Commissioner Henson

seconded. The case was unanimously approved.





ZC0606-4: A request to rezone 22.68 acres located at the east side of Old

Cusseta Road bordering Ft. Benning. The current zoning is Single Family

Residential 2 and General Commercial. The proposed zoning is Residential

Multi-Family Residential 2. The property will be used for apartments. Cusseta

Road LLC is the applicant.



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

inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan for Planning District 11. The Land

Use Designation shows Low Density Residential.



Policy Statements are not addressed.



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.



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: This development could have a maximum of 20 children of various

ages. Elementary School ? Cusseta Road Elementary, 538 students, capacity

513.

Middle School - Eddy Middle School, 634 students, capacity 613.

High School ? Spencer High, 959 students, capacity 900.



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

requirement along all property lines bordered by the SFR2 zoning district. The

three options under Category B are: 1 ? 15 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 understory trees and shrubs /

ornamental grasses per 100 linear feet and a wood fence or masonry wall. 3 ?

20 feet undisturbed natural buffer.



It shall also have a Category A buffer requirement along all property lines

bordered by the GC zoning district. The three options under Category A are: 1

? 5 feet with a certain amount of shrubs / ornamental grasses per 100 linear

feet and a wood fence or masonry wall. 2 ? 10 feet with a certain amount of

understory trees or shrubs / ornamental grasses per 100 linear feet. 3 ? 20

feet undisturbed natural buffer.



Fort Benning Recommendation: None



DRI Recommendation: None.



Thirteen (13) property owners within 300 feet were notified of this rezoning

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

rezoning request.



Conditions needed: A deceleration lane shall be required as determined by the

City Traffic Engineer.



Additional information: 200 units are proposed. This is part of an overall

master planned development.



David Erickson, representative of Cusseta Road LL, came to the podium. He is

speaking on behalf of Place Properties, Atlanta. They want to build 200

multi-family units which will target the Ft. Benning market. It is an infield

project. They will be one bedroom (rent ? 700.00) and two bedroom (rent

-785.00) units.



Stephen Freeman, Place Properties, came to the podium. They have developed

several projects for colleges and military. They are talking with Columbus

Technical College now. Phase 1 will consist of 200 units, 9 buildings on the

east half of the property near the lake. Included will be a clubhouse ,

swimming pool, fitness center and a computer lab. Also included will be green

space and basketball courts.



Chairperson Shields asked for discussion and a motion. Commissioner Dodds made

a motion to approve the rezoning case for apartments based on the facts that

even though it is inconsistent with the future land use map, it is compatible

with existing land uses and all city services are provided. Commissioner Crane

seconded. The case was unanimously approved.



ZC0606-5 and ZC0606-9 will be heard together.



ZC0606-5: A request to rezone the property located at 1137 Floyd Road. The

current zoning is Single Family Residential 2. The proposed zoning is General

Commercial. The property will be used for self storage units. Edward Calvin is

the applicant.



ZC0606-9: A request to rezone the property located at 1151 and 1211 Floyd

Road. The current zoning is Single Family Residential 2. The proposed zoning is

Residential Multi-Family 2. The property will be used for quadraplexes. Edward

Calvin is the applicant.





Mr. Will Johnson read the Staff Report for this case. ZC0606-5. This case is

consistent with the Comprehensive Plan for Planning District 10. The Land Use

Designation shows General Commercial.



Policy Statements are not addressed.



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.



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 SFR2 zoning district. The

three 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 or masonry wall. 3 ? 30 feet undisturbed

natural buffer.



Fort Benning Recommendation: None



DRI Recommendation: None.



Forty-two (42) property owners within 300 feet were notified of this rezoning

request. The Planning Division received two comments concerning these rezoning

requests. One comment was in opposition and one wanted information.



Condition needed: A deceleration lane shall be required as determined by the

City Traffic Engineer.



Additional information: None.





Mr. Will Johnson read the Staff Report for this case. ZC0606-9. This case is

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

Designation shows General Commercial.



Policy Statements are not addressed.



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.



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: This development could have a maximum of 10 children of various

ages. Elementary School ? Eastway Elementary, 500 students, capacity 513.

Middle School ? Rothchild Middle School, 610 students, capacity 675.

High School - Kendrick High, 1,223 students, capacity 1,350.



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

requirement along all property lines bordered by the SFR2 zoning district. The

three 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 or masonry wall. 3 ? 30 feet undisturbed

natural buffer.



Fort Benning Recommendation: None



DRI Recommendation: None.



Forty-two (42) property owners within 300 feet were notified of this rezoning

request. The Planning Division received two comments concerning this rezoning

request. One comment was in opposition and one wanted information.



Conditions needed: A deceleration lane shall be required as determined by the

City Traffic Engineer.



Additional information: None.



Nixon Maxey, representative of the applicant, Edward Calvin. He lives in

California and could not be here for the meeting today. He wants to increase

the number of his mini storage units and build apartments.



Cathy Phillips, 1216 Floyd Road, is opposed to the rezoning because her

property values will decrease and traffic. Betty Selvy of 4803 Floyd Court is

concerned about flooding. Don Goodroe, 4736 Whiteoak Drive is also concerned

about flooding. Greg King of 4808 Floyd Court has concerns about drainage as

this area used to be a lake.



Chairperson Shields asked for discussion and a motion for ZC0606-5.

Commissioner Dodds made a motion to approve the rezoning case for mini storage

units based on the facts that it is consistent with the future land use map and

it is compatible with existing land uses. Commissioner Mullin seconded. The

case was unanimously approved.



Chairperson Shields asked for discussion and a motion for ZC0606-9.

Commissioner Dodds made a motion to approve the rezoning case for residential

multi family based on the facts that even though it is inconsistent with the

future land use map which shows General Commercial, RMF2 is a down grade and

would be a better use. No one seconded.



Commissioner Crane made a motion to deny this case based on the facts that is

inconsistent with the future land use and there is a majority of single family

homes in the area. Commissioner Henson seconded. The motion to deny was

approved three (Crane, Henson, Mullin) to one (Dodds).





ZC0606-6: A request to rezone 1.75 acres located at 10051 Veterans Parkway.

The current zoning is General Commercial. The proposed zoning is Light

Manufacturing Industrial. The property will be used for a trucking company.

Mike Russell is the applicant.



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 Rural Residential.



Policy Statements are not addressed.



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.



The property is served by all city services.



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

transportation network.



The intersection sight distance at this location is about 375 feet. The

Traffic Engineering Department recommends denial because access to Veterans

Parkway at this site cannot meet criteria set forth by the American Association

of State Highway and Transportation Officials. The following criteria should

be met: Cars at 55 MPH ? shall have a site distance 610 feet. Truck (single)

at 55 MPH ? shall have a site distance of 770 feet. Truck Combo at 55 MPH ?

shall have a sight distance of 930 feet.



School Impact: None



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

requirement along all property lines bordered by the RE1 zoning district. The

three options under Category D are: 1 ? 40 feet with a certain amount of

canopy trees, understory trees and shrubs/ornamental grasses per 100 linear

feet. 2 ? 13 feet with a certain amount of canopy trees, understory trees,

shrubs / ornamental grasses per 100 linear feet and a wood fence or masonry

wall. 3 ? 75 feet undisturbed natural buffer.



Fort Benning Recommendation: None



DRI Recommendation: None.



Eight (8) property owners within 300 feet were notified of this rezoning

request. The Planning Division received one comment opposing this rezoning

request.



Condition needed: None.



Additional information: This property was rezoned to GC in 2002 for a cabinet

showroom and shop.



Mike Russell, applicant, came to the podium. There are two buildings on the

property. One building is lease to a trucking company. The trucking company

does have a valid trucking license and a Certificate of Occupancy from the

City. (The Certificate of Occupancy is for an office only). Building officials

determined that it is a trucking terminal and is not allowed in a GC district.



Richard Bishop, 109 Almond Ridge Plantation, came to the podium. About a year

ago, big trucks started showing up on this property. Mr. Bishop states that he

was involved in this case four years ago when they were rezoning for a cabinet

shop and he has noticed the property use change over the last few years. His

main issue is safety. He is also concerned about the unsightly appearance of

this property.



Mr. Russell came back to the podium to address the issues Mr. Bishop brought up.



Chairperson Shields asked for discussion and a motion. Commissioner Dodds made

a motion to deny this case based on the facts that it is inconsistent with the

land use designation of the future land use map and Traffic Engineering

recommends denial because of the sight distance requirements of the American

Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Commissioner Crane

seconded. It was denied unanimously.





ZC0606-7: A request to rezone 1.36 acres located at 4348 Buena Vista Road. The

current zoning is Single Family Residential 3 and Light Manufacturing /

Industrial. The proposed zoning is General Commercial. The property will be

used for a restaurant. Angela Cantrell 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 General Commercial.



Policy Statements are not addressed.



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.



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 SFR2/LMI zoning

districts. The three 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 or masonry wall. 3 ? 30 feet undisturbed

natural buffer.



Fort Benning Recommendation: None



DRI Recommendation: None.



Sixteen (16) property owners within 300 feet were notified of this rezoning

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

rezoning request.



Conditions needed: None.



Additional information: None.



Commissioner Dodds had to leave the meeting. Therefore, Chairperson Shields

will vote in his place.



Angela Cantrell, applicant came to the podium. They are proposing to replace

the Taco Bell with a new Taco Bell Restaurant.



Chairperson Shields asked for discussion and a motion. Vice Chairperson Mullin

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

with the future land use plan and it is compatible with existing land uses.

Commissioner Henson seconded. It was approved unanimously.





ZC0606-8: A request to rezone the property located at 3435 Buena Vista Road.

The current zoning is Single Family Residential 3. The proposed zoning is

General Commercial. The property will be used for an electrical service

company. James Overstreet is the applicant.



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

inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan for Planning District 10. The Land

Use Designation shows Low Density Residential.



Policy Statements are not addressed.



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.



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 districts.

The three 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 or masonry wall. 3 ? 30 feet undisturbed

natural buffer.





Fort Benning Recommendation: None



DRI Recommendation: None.



Thirty-two (32) property owners within 300 feet were notified of this rezoning

request. The Planning Division received several comments opposing this rezoning

request. They don?t want commercial zoning encroaching into their

neighborhood. They are all elderly widows and health issues kept them from

coming to the meeting.



Conditions needed: None.



Additional information: None.



Chris Seldon came to the podium. He works for James Overstreet at Tri-City

Electrical Service. The business is growing and they need more space.



Chairperson Shields asked for discussion and a motion. Commissioner Crane made

a motion to deny the rezoning case based on the facts that it is inconsistent

with the future land use map. Commissioner Henson seconded. The case was

unanimously denied.





V. SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE: None.



VI. NEW BUSINESS: None.



VII. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 a.m.





______________________________ _______________________________

Derrick Shields, Chairperson Will Johnson, Planning

Division Chief

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