Council approves Thaxton Road rezoning with conditions after months of community talks

The City of South Fulton council voted unanimously (7–0) to approve a rezoning that allows a residential subdivision at 3880 Thaxton Road (case Z24‑027), after negotiations between the applicant, staff and neighborhood representatives produced a set of conditions the council read into the record.

The approved ordinance limits development to no more than 42 single‑family detached homes on 17.4 acres and requires a number of design and neighborhood protections. Key conditions included:

- Minimum lots of about 5,500 square feet with minimum lot width of 60 feet. - A minimum heated floor area of 2,000 square feet per home (the applicant agreed to strike a prior lower threshold and increase the minimum). - Setbacks: 25‑foot front, 10‑foot side, 25‑foot side‑corner and 25‑foot rear setbacks. - No more than 42 units; at least six distinct façade designs and three color packages per design (creating up to 18 visible facade combinations) and a requirement that identical facades not be placed side‑by‑side or directly across the street. - An architectural design book submitted to CDRA before the first building permit and use of specified exterior materials such as brick, masonry, fiber cement siding and other approved options; exposed foundations prohibited. - Sidewalks on both sides of interior streets (5‑foot minimum) and a three‑foot planted buffer between curb and sidewalk; one to two 2‑inch caliper street trees per dwelling frontage. - All utilities to be placed underground. - An HOA to manage common areas and a covenant limiting rentals to 10% of units (homeowners may vote later to change that cap); covenants must prohibit boarding. A copy of the HOA covenant must be included with the final plat. - A right‑turn lane/vehicle deceleration lane off Thaxton Road per city public‑works requirements. - A community monument sign with landscaping and lighting at the subdivision entrance. - A model home of approximately 2,200 square feet to be provided by the developer. - An emergency access “knock box” arrangement and coordination with the neighboring High Point subdivision for emergency access, subject to Fire and Safety approvals.

Council members and staff said the list reflects negotiations that addressed residents’ core concerns about design quality, buffering and safety while respecting the city’s zoning code. Councilmember Helen Willis — who had previously championed thorough resident engagement — said the conditions show the value of negotiation and community input.

Ending: The ordinance passed 7–0. The developer and staff will proceed with engineering, permitting and final platting under the conditions set by the council. Councilmembers asked staff for continuing updates on right‑of‑way and construction timing as the project moves toward building permits.