Olmstead proposal for 70 townhomes on Southwest Ives Drive presented; planning commission denied the rezoning

Rockdale County planning staff presented a rezoning application (2025‑07) from C‑2 general commercial to RM residential multifamily for an 8.79‑acre parcel on Southwest Ives Drive owned by Olmstead Properties LLC. The applicant proposes a 70‑unit townhome community with sidewalks, recreation areas, dog park, and about 29,125 square feet of active open space.

Staff recommended conditions including a 70‑unit cap, a mandatory homeowners association responsible for common area maintenance, a 5% rental cap, two‑car garages for each townhome, underground utilities, sodded grassed areas, screening for stormwater detention ponds, compatible exterior materials, sidewalks connecting amenity areas, and an amended guest‑parking plan to meet code. The planning commission voted to deny the rezoning.

Josh Mahoney of Battle Law PC, representing the applicant, told commissioners the property is adjacent to existing townhome developments and the comprehensive plan’s Mixed Use/Employment Center designation allows RM zoning. Mahoney said the applicant accepts the staff conditions and will send more detailed proposed commitments the following day, including architectural diversity (no two adjacent facades identical), an average 25‑foot buffer across the site, and a tree replacement requirement if large trees (≥18 inches caliper) must be removed. He noted the developer will perform a downstream sewer analysis where required by staff.

The item will return for final action by the Board of Commissioners after staff receives the applicant’s proposed condition language and required technical studies.