Board approves 'rage room' special use and rezoning after applicant outlines safety, recycling and appointment controls

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Feb. 3 to approve a rezoning to heavy commercial and a special‑use permit for a controlled, appointment‑based indoor "rage room" business proposed at 3497 Highway 5.

Staff described the application as a request to convert a one‑acre parcel from residential low density to heavy commercial with conditions. Applicant Dion Holmes and partner Lyrica Holmes operate Total Rage ATL in Powder Springs and told the board the Douglasville location would be appointment‑based, staffed and limited in size (a single accessory building with a controlled interior session area). Holmes described a safety regimen that includes thick protective suits, puncture‑proof boots, helmets with face shields, ear protection, staff oversight and a short, capped session length; he said two participants use a session room at a time with separated onlookers behind partitions.

The applicant emphasized materials and waste handling procedures: non‑hazardous items only, segregation of recyclables and use of biohazard disposal procedures when blood exposure occurs (disposable suits and biohazard bags were described). Holmes said staff conduct a post‑session clean and sweep between sessions to remove glass and mitigate trip hazards. He also said the facility operates by appointment only and will cap group size and manage parking, encouraging carpooling when needed.

Supporters testified they had visited the Powder Springs facility and praised the operation as professionally run and therapeutic for some patrons; opponents cited concerns about weapons used at some rage facilities, noise, traffic and proximity to residences. Holmes said his Powder Springs operation had no violations and that he adheres to fire marshal and occupancy rules for the accessory building.

Both the Planning & Zoning Board and the Board of Commissioners voted to approve the rezoning and the special‑use permit with the staff‑read conditions on site plan, noise/occupancy, and permitted materials; commissioners discussed hours, parking limits (the proposed site design shows nine parking spaces and a 30‑person cap with encouragement of carpooling) and the appointment model as mitigation.

What happens next: The applicant must meet the site‑plan conditions, building/fire requirements and business licensing steps, and county staff will monitor compliance with conditions attached to the approvals.