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Developer seeks rezoning to build 63 townhomes at Cove Lake; residents press for buffer and air-quality assurances

City of Stonecrest Planning & Zoning Staff · November 14, 2025
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Summary

Developer David M. Miles Construction seeks to rezone 2374 Cove Lake Road from MR‑1 to MR‑2 to build 63 fee-simple townhomes with 22‑ft units; applicant says it added 23 visitor spaces, 50‑ft buffers and will require sprinklers or 2‑hour firewall per Fire Marshal. Neighbors pressed for more environmental and notification details.

Ramona Everly, senior planner for the City of Stonecrest, introduced petition RZ25‑004, a request to rezone 2374 Cove Lake Road from MR‑1 (medium density) to MR‑2 to allow narrower townhome lots.

Michelle Battle, representing David M. Miles Construction, told the meeting the development would preserve an overall maximum of 63 fee‑simple townhomes. "We are seeking a rezoning from M R 1 to M R 2," Battle said, explaining that a change in the city ordinance raised the MR‑1 lot‑width requirement from 20 to 25 feet and that MR‑2 would permit 20‑foot minimum lots so the developer can build 22‑foot units.

Battle described several conditions the applicant proposes to address neighborhood concerns: 23 additional visitor parking spaces added after DeKalb County Fire Marshal comments; a maintained 50‑foot transitional buffer along the southern boundary adjacent to existing Cove Lake homes and a 50‑foot buffer along the park side; underground stormwater detention; rear‑entry garages to avoid on‑street parking; conversion of an existing dog park into a tot lot; and a mandatory homeowners association formed prior to sales. She also said "all units will either be sprinkled or have a 2 hour firewall installed as required by the DeKalb County fire marshal."

Residents asked questions about unit counts, water service and how the proposal differs from a 2007 approval. Battle said the 2007 approval allowed 20‑foot units that were never built; the project still proposes 63 units but needs MR‑2 to permit narrower lot widths under the current zoning code. A resident confirmed units will have individual water meters.

Staff and applicant announced a follow‑up HOA Zoom meeting on Dec. 1 and said the formal hearings are scheduled at the Planning Commission on Dec. 2 and Mayor and City Council later in December for final consideration.

Next steps: the applicant will meet with the Cove Lake HOA on Dec. 1 and present to the Planning Commission and City Council in December; staff said project conditions and the preliminary plat will be addressed in those hearings.