Planning commission approves special exception for privately operated recreational facility on Barton Chapel Road with conditions

The Augusta Georgia Planning Commission approved a special exception to allow a privately owned and operated recreational facility at 1712 and 1714 Barton Chapel Road, a 1.49-acre parcel in the Bel Air character area.

Amanda Cruz, planner I with the Augusta Planning and Development Department, summarized the application on behalf of applicant Tammy Prosper. Cruz said the conceptual plan proposed a metal building of roughly 3,000 to 5,000 square feet, and that the parcel is currently zoned R-1B (single-family residential) where privately owned recreational facilities are permitted by special exception. Cruz said the parcel has 466.7 feet of frontage on Barton Chapel Road, public water is present, and no sewer currently serves the site; utilities reported a 16-inch water main is available along Barton Chapel Road. Cruz also noted that lighting has not been designed yet and that the proposed outdoor facility sits less than 100 feet from residentially zoned property, which requires plan compliance be demonstrated to staff prior to site plan approval.

Applicant Tammy Prosper told commissioners the facility would offer health and fitness programming, including one-on-one personal training and some group classes, and that the initial plan calls for 26 parking spaces. Commissioners sought clarification about hours. Cruz said the application packet lists operating hours of 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays; Prosper confirmed she plans to open at 5 a.m. on weekdays so personal trainers can begin early. Staff also noted that under the zoning ordinance outdoor activities may continue until 11 p.m., and that the commission did not add hours as a condition.

Planning staff recommended approval with eight conditions: a 10-foot tree buffer on the sides and a 20-foot tree buffer at the rear; a 10-foot street yard along Barton Chapel Road; a six-foot wooden privacy fence to enclose rear portions adjacent to residences; downward-directed lighting so adjacent properties are not adversely affected; compliance with the Augusta tree ordinance; separate site-plan approval before construction; compliance with all applicable City of Augusta and Richmond County development standards at the time of development; and installation of a sidewalk along the entire frontage abutting Barton Chapel Road.

Commissioner Owens moved to approve Special Exception 2502 with staff conditions; Commissioner Cooks seconded. The motion carried with an affirmative voice vote recorded as "aye" and no opposition noted in the transcript.

The packet notes that sewer is not currently available on site; Cruz said the property owner may extend sewer service if an engineer determines that is feasible. The applicant and staff will need to demonstrate compliance with the setback, buffering and lighting requirements before site-plan approval and construction.