Council approves Templar Development rezoning for 32-unit mixed dwellings with six planning conditions

The Newnan City Council unanimously approved a rezoning request from Templar Development Group LLC on June 17 to convert property along Temple Avenue to Planned Development Residential (PDR) to allow a residential community of townhomes, triplexes and duplexes totaling up to 32 units.

The planning commission had recommended approval with six staff conditions: (1) the project remain consistent with application data; (2) no more than 32 units; (3) only three of the 32 units may be rental properties; (4) compliance with the submitted concept plan; (5) mixed dwelling types to match submitted renderings; and (6) inclusion of a walking trail. The applicant previously withdrew an earlier application when their unit count was inconsistent; the resubmitted application reflected the desired unit count.

Council members asked about parking and emergency-vehicle access. The project representative said each residence would have one parking space and that the Newnan Fire Department reviewed the plans without adverse comments on street width. The on-site parking lot at the end of the proposed street would be maintained by the proposed homeowners association; on-street parking would be maintained by the city. A neighbor raised questions about wildlife and access; the developer said the walking trails would remain inside the community and that a publicly owned buffer would separate the community from the neighbor’s property and that a significant portion of undeveloped area would remain intact. Council voted to accept the planning commission recommendation and approve the rezoning with the six conditions.

Why it matters: the rezoning enables construction of a small infill residential community with mixed dwelling types under conditions intended to limit rental density and preserve design consistency and open space. Council recorded unanimous approval; a roll-call tally was not provided in the meeting text.