Cobb commissioners accept applicant’s request to withdraw proposal for small pediatric camp after traffic, permitting concerns

Emily Jordan withdrew her application for a temporary land use permit to operate a small pediatric development camp from her private residence after county commissioners raised concerns about traffic circulation, licensing and neighborhood precedent. The board approved the withdrawal without prejudice and directed Jordan to work with county zoning staff and state regulators before returning.

The matter drew public comment from Richard Grom, speaking for the East Cobb Civic Association, who argued the proposal was vague and could set a precedent for commercial camps in residential neighborhoods. "This proposal has been a moving target with regard to specifics that the applicant is requesting," Grom told the board, listing inconsistencies in the number of children, staff and hours proposed.

Jordan told the board she planned a small, play-based program called "Busy Day" that would host up to eight children at a time and focus on therapeutically informed outdoor activities. "My name is Emily Jordan, and thanks for having me again. I am a mom of a 1 and 3 year old and an occupational therapist," she said, describing staff who would assist and the property’s features, including a driveway and parking pad she said would handle arrival and departure.

Board members raised multiple operational questions the applicant had not resolved. Commissioners asked whether the driveway’s width and circulation could safely handle concurrent drop-off and pickup, whether the proposed activities would trigger state daycare or food-service requirements and whether the applicant had sought state licensure. John Peterson, zoning manager, told commissioners that an in-home child-care arrangement is permitted for up to six children but that state approvals would be required for licensed daycare operations. Peterson said the county’s Department of Transportation had recommended "no parking on the right-of-way" as a standard comment on land-use permits.

Opponents pointed to the planning commission’s record: staff had recommended denial, and the planning commission’s approval included restrictions that limited operations to three summer months, one week per month and a maximum of eight children from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Grom told the board the planning commission’s conditions did not resolve the core concern: "This is a precedent setting case," he said, arguing the use was not a customary home occupation under the county’s residential code.

Board discussion emphasized safety and regulatory compliance. Commissioners advised Jordan to work with county departments and the state to identify required fire, health and childcare standards, and to develop a formal traffic and parking circulation plan. Commissioner Campbell suggested denial to allow time for the applicant to complete necessary steps; Commissioner Gamble recommended withdrawal without prejudice so Jordan could return when ready.

The board adopted a motion to withdraw the application without prejudice and included direction that Jordan work with county staff and relevant state agencies on traffic, licensing and other requirements. The motion carried 4-0.

Discussion: Questions and concerns centered on driveway width, traffic circulation for drop-off and pickup, required adult-to-child ratios under state rules, whether food activities would require a certified kitchen and whether volunteers or employees would change permitting requirements.

Direction to staff: Commissioners directed county staff (including DOT and fire marshal representatives) to meet with the applicant on-site to advise on traffic, parking, fire/occupancy requirements and the path to any state licensing needed.

Decision: Application withdrawn without prejudice (motion carried 4-0). The withdrawal included explicit direction that the applicant work with staff and state regulators before returning.