Council annexes 3.02 acres at 423 Jefferson Street, approves RU7 zoning with conditions

The Newnan City Council voted June 17 to annex 3.02 acres at 423 Jefferson Street (parcel 808650550022) and to adopt RU7 (urban residential single-family high density) zoning for the property.

City planner Ms. Donovan summarized the staff report and said the property had a septic issue prompting the annexation request after a prior February initiation. Staff found the RU7 zoning consistent with surrounding uses and the city's goals, noting that at RU7 the site could be limited to roughly 12 units under maximum density; by contrast, county zoning with sewer could allow up to 36 units. The Planning Commission held a public hearing May 13 and recommended approval by a 5-2 vote with two conditions: (1) if more than one unit is proposed, the owner must return with a final concept plan and proposed elevations to the Planning Commission; (2) if more than one unit is proposed, no more than 10% of units would be for rental properties.

An applicant representative, Wes Hauser, spoke to the council and stated he had no comments and agreed with staff recommendations. No members of the public opposed the annexation during the public hearing. Council received the Planning Commission report, moved to approve the annexation and then separately approved the rezoning with the Planning Commission's recommended conditions; the council recorded the conditions in the motion. The rezoning and annexation were approved by voice vote.

Staff reported a physical fiscal-impact analysis showing annual expenditures slightly higher than revenues but upfront fees and permits would cover the difference. Coweta County lodged no objection. The council did not adopt a site plan at this meeting; final development will be subject to subsequent concept and site-development review consistent with the Planning Commission conditions.