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Zoning board defers decision on Dunkin' signage variances at Cascade Road corner after neighborhood objections
Summary
The board deferred action on multiple sign variances requested by a proposed Dunkin' development at 3724 Cascade Road after residents urged strict adherence to the Cascade Overlay District; the applicant promised a new building and asked staff to pursue engineering and signage solutions.
The City of South Fulton Zoning Board of Appeals deferred a set of sign- and drive-thru-related variance requests for a proposed Dunkin' development at 3724 Cascade Road on June 26, 2025, after a split board and public opposition citing the Cascade Overlay District.
The applicant's representative, Brent Moy of land engineering firm Land Engineering & Development, presented six variance requests (case V25-005): increase permitted protrusion of wall signs from 2 inches to 3 inches; allow three wall signs instead of two; allow up to three drive-thru signs instead of one; increase the menu-board height from 6 feet to 6 feet 10 inches; increase the canopy speaker height to 10 feet 1 inch; and raise the drive-thru clearance bar height to 12 feet. Staff recommended approval for the variance to allow a third wall sign and recommended denial for the other five variances.
Moy said the lot's acute triangular geometry, a reduced parcel area after recent Fairburn Road improvements, and franchise-standard menu-board/canopy equipment created practical constraints. He told the board the existing on-site building will be demolished and replaced with a new Dunkin' structure that will meet landscaping and overlay material standards; the requested variances relate only to signage and drive-thru equipment. "The landowner's hardship is they have no control over any of this; they're trying to lease to Dunkin'," Moy said.
A long-time community resident opposed any variances in the Cascade Overlay District and urged the board to preserve the area's sign standards. "I am adamantly opposed to granting any variance in the Cascade Overlay District," the resident said, noting that Walgreens, Chick-fil-A and other redevelopments have complied with the overlay rules.
Board members debated precedent, site geometry and whether franchise or vendor options could be adjusted to meet the code. Commissioners asked the applicant to provide a Dunkin' franchise or construction representative and additional sign-vendor details at the next meeting. After an initial tied vote and subsequent motions, the board voted to defer the case 30 days to allow the applicant to bring a franchise representative and to permit staff and the applicant to refine alternatives and outreach. Staff said required mailings were sent; at least one resident said she had not received notice.
The deferral leaves staff recommendations and the variance requests unresolved. The applicant will return with additional information on vendor options, whether equipment can be configured to meet the six-inch/depth and six-foot height limits, and documentation of neighbor outreach.
