Commission approves West Georgia Dermatology landscape plan with tree swaps to increase parking shade

The Peachtree City Planning Commission approved a landscape plan for West Georgia Dermatology (112 Wilshire Village Drive) on Dec. 9, subject to a condition that four understory trees be replaced by overstory trees adjacent to the parking area and that the understory trees be relocated to the east-side slope where they are more feasible.

Staff said the property’s 31,809 square feet of impervious surface triggers a substantial canopy and understory requirement; because the site previously received a buffer reduction to 30 feet, staff also noted the buffer condition increases the total caliper-inch obligation. The applicant’s plan did not meet the full caliper-inch totals on site and therefore requested tree-fund alternative compliance for a portion of the requirement. Staff recommended approval conditioned on improved on-site planting to provide more shade adjacent to the parking.

Commissioner Liotta and others pressed for shade along the western parking areas and suggested swapping four understory specimens for overstory trees so the parking lot receives greater summer shade; the applicant’s representative agreed the swap was feasible and the landscape plan includes a pre-installation note that the planning department must approve any field changes. The commission moved and approved the landscape plan with the requested tree swaps by voice vote.

Next steps: the applicant will submit final landscape construction documents, implement the agreed tree swaps and host a pre-installation conference with planning staff to confirm placements and any tree-fund arrangements.