South Fulton planning commission defers two zoning cases, approves gas station expansion at 4285 Roosevelt Highway

The South Fulton Planning Commission on Oct. 15 deferred two zoning matters requested by applicants and voted unanimously to recommend approval of a special-use permit to expand an existing gas station and convenience store at 4285 Roosevelt Highway.

Staff presented U25-012, a special-use permit application for 4285 Roosevelt Highway that would add roughly 24 feet of retail space, two new restrooms and upgrades to bring the convenience store into ADA compliance. Casey, a staff member, told the commission staff recommended approval and noted the parcel contains two zoning districts, M-2 and C-2; staff treats the parcel under the zoning that covers the majority of the site, which they said designates it as M-2 and makes a special-use permit necessary for a gas station expansion.

Quinn Bennett, the architect of record for the owner, described the work as "a simple expansion ... to add additional restrooms and, to clean up the store, to enhance the experience." Bennett said the proposal includes reorganizing the interior, creating a single game room for existing machines to address aisle clearance and perceived life-safety issues, and ADA upgrades. Commissioner Williams asked whether the owner would consider adding healthier food options or changing merchandise mix; Bennett said the owner would be open to that.

The commission first voted to approve staff findings of fact on U25-012 and then voted to recommend approval of the special-use permit. Roll-call votes were recorded as Commissioner Perry: Aye; Commissioner Reverend Jones: Aye; Commissioner Jefferson: Aye; Commissioner Williams: Aye; Commissioner Price: Aye. Both votes passed 5-0. Staff said the City Council will hear the item at its Nov. 12 meeting for final action.

Separately, the commission addressed three other agenda items tied to two separate filings. Commissioners were told that U25-011 (5540 National Highway), an application to extend day-care hours, had been withdrawn by the applicant at the City Council meeting the night before and required no commission action. A combined set of matters—rezoning Z25-024, special-use permit U25-007 and comprehensive development plan amendment CDP25-009 for a proposed gasoline station and retail/dining complex at 0 Stone Wall—was also before the panel; the applicant emailed a request to withdraw. The commission voted to defer Z25-024, U25-007 and CDP25-009 to the planning commission’s next meeting on Nov. 19 with the understanding the City Council will consider withdrawal at its Nov. 12 meeting.

There were no speakers in opposition; the only public comment card submitted was from the applicant. The meeting concluded with an adjournment at approximately 6:17 p.m.

Votes at a glance - U25-012 (4285 Roosevelt Highway) — special-use permit to expand convenience store and add two restrooms: Commission recommended approval, roll-call 5-0. Referred to City Council Nov. 12 for final action. - Z25-024 / U25-007 / CDP25-009 (0 Stone Wall) — rezoning, special-use permit, and comprehensive development plan amendment for proposed gas station/retail/dining: deferred to Planning Commission Nov. 19 at applicant’s request; City Council will consider withdrawal Nov. 12. - U25-011 (5540 National Highway) — special-use permit to extend day-care hours: withdrawn by applicant at City Council; no commission action required.