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Commission OKs small, age‑limited pediatric developmental camp on private property with conditions
Summary
A Cobb County resident won approval to use about two acres for a small pediatric developmental camp staged as short sessions in summer; the planning commission approved a 24‑month temporary land use permit with limits on dates, hours and enrollment and directed staff enforcement if violations occur.
The Cobb County Planning Commission voted May 6 to approve a temporary land use permit for Emily Jordan to operate a small pediatric developmental camp on roughly two acres off Pippen Mill Road. Jordan told commissioners she intends to run limited, supervised sessions—primarily one week each in June, July and August—focused on developmental and life‑skills activities for small groups of children.
What was proposed: Jordan said she would host fewer than 10 children at a time for short, age‑appropriate sessions and would manage drop‑off and pick‑up within a wide driveway and on‑property circulation. She described the program as a low‑technology, therapeutic and skills‑based camp and said she would offer sliding‑scale fees for families with financial need.
Opposition and placemaking concerns: The East Cobb Civic Association’s case manager, Ben Alper, told the commission that the association considered the request too intense for an R‑80 single‑family lot and that a home‑based business of this type might set a precedent. Neighbors cited potential traffic and safety issues. Jordan said she had already mailed notices, spoken with immediate neighbors, and would limit hours, post temporary directional signage only during camp days, and restrict enrollment.
County action and conditions: Planning staff had recommended denial based on the original application materials, but commissioners negotiated conditions that narrowed the operation and created enforceable limits. The commission approved the permit for a 24‑month period with these conditions: operations limited to roughly one week each in June, July and August; hours limited to about 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; maximum of eight children per session; temporary directional signage only during the week of camp; and code enforcement monitoring with a show‑cause process if neighbors file complaints. Commissioners asked staff to monitor complaints and reminded the applicant that a building plan or inspections may be required for any structures used for operations.
What to expect: The permit is time‑limited and subject to revocation if conditions are violated. The commission said staff will review complaints and inspect compliance if neighbors raise issues.
