Cobb County Planning Commission approves summer camp despite ECCA's traffic concerns

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners held a zoning hearing on May 20, 2025, to discuss a proposed summer camp operating from a residential property on Paper Mill Road. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding traffic management, neighborhood impact, and zoning regulations.

The proposal, which aimed to allow a summer camp for children, faced opposition from the East Cobb Civic Association (ECCA). ECCA representatives argued that the camp's operation would create traffic issues during drop-off and pick-up times, particularly given the busy nature of Paper Mill Road, which is currently serving as an alternative route due to construction on Lower Roswell Road. They emphasized that the absence of a detailed traffic circulation plan raised serious concerns about safety and congestion, as multiple vehicles would be attempting to enter and exit the property simultaneously.

Despite initial recommendations from staff to deny the proposal, the Planning Commission surprisingly recommended approval with restrictions. These included limiting the camp's operation to one week per month during the summer, with a maximum of eight children and specific operating hours. However, ECCA contended that these restrictions did not adequately address the potential for setting a negative precedent for residential zoning in Cobb County. They argued that the camp's intensity and the number of visitors would exceed what is typically allowed for home occupations, which are defined by Cobb County code as low-intensity activities conducted entirely within a residence.

The discussion also touched on the physical limitations of the property, including the width and layout of the driveway, which could complicate traffic flow. The applicant acknowledged the lack of a formal traffic plan but suggested a potential drop-off procedure that involved parents stopping at the front steps while staff assisted with the children. However, ECCA representatives remained skeptical, citing concerns about noise and the overall impact on the residential neighborhood.

As the meeting concluded, the board was left to consider the implications of allowing such a business in a residential area, weighing the community's concerns against the applicant's proposal. The decision on whether to approve or deny the camp's operation will have lasting effects on zoning practices in Cobb County.