Stonecrest council votes down special land‑use permit for Thompson Mill personal care home after safety and site‑plan concerns

The City of Stonecrest on March 24 voted down a special land‑use permit (SLUP 25‑001) to operate a type‑2 home occupation personal care home at 4989 Thompson Mill Road. A motion to approve the permit failed by a 3–2 margin after council members expressed concerns over the proposed site layout and operational details.

Why it matters: The proposed facility would have housed residents needing daily assistance and could have filled a local need for elder and memory care services. Councilmembers said they could not approve the application without clearer documentation that the house and driveway safely support the proposed resident count, staffing and emergency access.

Planning staff presented the application and recommended approval with conditions. Staff’s conditions included standard requirements: the owner or identified administrator must reside in the personal care home (or administration must meet residency requirements if the owner is an entity), issuance of a City of Stonecrest license along with required state permits before operation, building‑code compliance for the personal care occupancy type, conspicuous display of state and city licenses, prohibition on exterior signage inconsistent with sign rules, non‑transferability of city licenses, and adherence to state rules for admission and operation.

The applicant described the proposed operation as a 24‑hour care setting with two staff on duty per shift, a nurse visiting during the day and a plan to provide on‑site activities and transport services. The applicant and supporters told council the property is single‑story with driveway access and that ambulances could reach the site; a supporter highlighted proximity to nearby hospitals and emergency services.

Council members raised detailed questions about interior floor plans and bed placement, how staff would enter and move through the house, where caregivers would rest, whether bedrooms are distinct rooms with closets and private access, parking and turnaround space for emergency vehicles, and whether the proposed residents would be ambulatory or bedridden — which affects staffing and the level of nursing care required under state rules. One council member asked whether the proposed residents would be able to drive; the applicant answered that residents are not expected to drive and the facility would provide transport as needed.

After discussion, a motion to approve SLUP 25‑001 was moved and seconded; the motion failed with three council members voting no and two in favor. Council did not adopt the staff recommendation as presented.

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve SLUP 25‑001 (4989 Thompson Mill Road) — Mover: Councilmember Terry Fye; Vote: 2 in favor, 3 opposed; outcome: failed.

Next steps: Because the motion failed, the applicant would need to revise the proposal and address specific site‑access and operational questions (staffing levels, bed placement, circulation and emergency access) before returning for consideration. The staff record will remain available to guide any reapplication.

Provenance: Planning presentation and public hearing for SLUP 25‑001 begin with the staff report in the meeting packet and public comments; the council vote and results are recorded later in the meeting transcript.