Canton City Council Reviews Zoning Map Amendments for Seven Properties

During the Canton City Council meeting on July 18, 2025, significant amendments to the city’s official zoning map were proposed, addressing several discrepancies that have arisen over the years. City staff, led by Mister Peebles, presented a series of corrections aimed at aligning the zoning designations with the city’s unified development code.

The proposed amendments involve seven properties, each with a unique history of zoning errors. One notable case is a 33-acre tract south of downtown, which was incorrectly displayed as residential (R20) instead of its approved plan development residential (PDR) status. This correction is crucial for ensuring that the property reflects its intended use as part of the Sanctuary development.

Another key property discussed was located on Ridge Road, where two lots previously zoned as special use are recommended to be officially designated as residential estate (R40). This change is expected to clarify the zoning status for current and future developments in the area.

Additionally, the council addressed properties that had been misclassified due to clerical errors. For instance, a property on Knox Bridal Highway, which was annexed and rezoned to general commercial, had erroneously been shown as residential on city maps since 2014. Correcting this error will help streamline future commercial developments.

The meeting also highlighted two apartment complexes, Blue Ridge Hills and River Ridge Apartments, which were found to be incorrectly categorized under plan development mixed use zoning. The staff recommended reclassifying them to residential multifamily (RM15) to align with their actual use and ensure compliance with zoning regulations.

The final property discussed was a tract on Bells Ferry Road, which had been misrepresented as unincorporated land. The council aims to amend the zoning map to reflect its status as part of Canton, facilitating the construction of a residential subdivision.

The public hearing on these amendments saw no community members sign up to speak, indicating a lack of immediate public concern. However, the council expressed appreciation for the staff's diligence in identifying and correcting these zoning discrepancies early on.

As the council moves forward with these amendments, they aim to enhance clarity in zoning regulations, ultimately benefiting residents and developers alike by ensuring that land use aligns with the city’s planning goals. The council unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting, signaling a commitment to transparency and community engagement in local governance.