Developer seeks CUP for Ono Road site to build higher-density subdivision; neighbors raise notice and buffer concerns

A developer seeking to rezone 0 Ono Road asked the City of South Fulton to change the property from AG1 (agricultural) to Community Unit Plan (CUP) in order to build a higher-density single-family subdivision, and residents at a community zoning information meeting April 7 urged better notice and larger lots.

The applicant’s representative, Steve Rothman, said the project would increase density to about 1.3 units per acre from the current AG1 standard and described the request as consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan. “We’re asking a little more density,” Rothman said, adding the request is “well under the 2 unit to the acre recommended density.”

Neighbors raised several concerns about notice, lot size, tree cover and buffers. Michael Chapy, who identified himself as a District 4 resident, said the community opposed rezoning proposals in prior years and urged the developer to return with 1-acre lots rather than denser subdivisions. “We spoke loud and clear. We’re not in favor of additional density,” Chapy said, saying most surrounding lots are 1 acre or larger.

Brian O’Donnell, who lives on Ono Road, also questioned whether an earlier plan showing 200 units and a 100-foot buffer had been abandoned; Rothman said he had not seen a 200-unit plan in the materials before him. Residents also said road signs announcing the meeting appeared late or were in poor condition; planning staff said site-specific signs for these community meetings are not legally required but that the city would continue posting them as a courtesy.

Rothman described the proposed community’s amenities as including a clubhouse, swimming pool, walking trails, a large lake and open space; he said dog parks and tot lots were anticipated if the project advances. When asked about lot dimensions, Rothman described a mix of lot widths that later exchange at the meeting suggested included a variety of 50-, 75-, 85- and 95-foot road frontages as the plan was refined.

Rothman and residents disagreed about site acreage in the meeting record: the initial staff description listed 156 acres and 283 detached single-family homes; Rothman later referenced a 56-acre figure in describing the economics of one-acre estate lots. That discrepancy was noted by residents at the meeting and remains in the project record.

Planning staff reminded applicants that a public participation plan report is due June 9, 2025, and that planning commission and city council public hearings are scheduled for June 18 and July 8, respectively. Staff said applicants must submit the participation report before going to the planning commission or “we will recommend denial.”

The developer said a mailing list from the city is needed to schedule the required public participation meeting and that he would request the list and aim to hold the meeting after the planning commission’s May recess to allow sufficient notice.

Votes at this meeting: there were no formal votes or council actions; the session was informational and focused on outreach and plan refinement ahead of formal hearings.