Commissioners approve landscape plan for Cylon expansion at 101 Sierra Drive, ask developer to reduce plantings or use tree fund

Peachtree City planning commissioners on Feb. 24 approved a landscape plan for an expansion of the Cylon site at 101 Sierra Drive, finding the submission meets the city's landscape ordinance but asking the developer to reduce some plantings and place remaining mitigation into the city's tree fund where appropriate.

City planning staff presented the plan and said the new impervious area for the proposed expansion is 26,781 square feet, which triggers a landscape requirement of 80 overstory caliper inches and 54 understory caliper inches. The applicant proposed canopy material totaling 84 overstory caliper inches and additional understory plantings; staff said the selected species are native or regionally adaptable and that the submission exceeds ordinance minima.

The planning commission discussion focused on the location of plantings relative to equipment access, storm‑water infrastructure and an airport area behind part of the site. One commissioner said the plan appears "over planted" for the industrial context and recommended that the applicant reduce some canopy and understory trees—particularly in a circle area behind the building—so equipment can maneuver freely. Another commissioner expressed concern that roots could affect existing stormwater infrastructure and recommended using the tree fund for some of the ordinance requirement instead of planting in constrained areas.

Staff supported working with the applicant to identify appropriate reductions and to use the tree fund to meet ordinance requirements where planting is impractical or would interfere with operations. The commission voted to approve the landscape plan with the condition that the developer coordinate with staff to reduce plant material in a reasonable manner and to meet the remainder of the requirement through the tree fund. The motion passed by voice vote with all present saying "aye."

What was presented: staff displayed the site behind CertainTeed on Highway 74 and noted that, because the property contains an abundance of existing trees, the applicant proposed many 4‑inch caliper trees to meet the ordinance. Staff said species selections provide seasonal color and are native or adaptable to Georgia and the eastern U.S.; staff also offered to share a native‑plant spreadsheet used as a reference.

Next steps: the developer will work with staff on a revised planting plan that reduces canopy/understory in constrained areas and documents any tree‑fund contributions for the ordinance requirement. The plan otherwise meets ordinance standards as presented and staff recommended approval.

Votes at a glance: Landscape plan for Cylon (101 Sierra Drive) approved with the condition that the developer work with staff to reduce plantings in specific areas and satisfy remaining requirements via the tree fund; approval was by voice vote, recorded as unanimous (ayes only).