Kennesaw planning commission approves DRB rezoning for 89 townhomes amid access and traffic disputes

The City of Kennesaw Planning Commission on Feb. 4 approved a rezoning application from DRB Group LLC to convert roughly 8.8 acres from Highway General Business to a Planned Unit Development Residential district, allowing up to 89 fee-simple townhomes.

Staff recommended approval with about 20 conditions that will govern density, design and timing. Key conditions highlighted by staff include a maximum of 89 homes (10.08 units per acre), a minimum unit floor area of 1,400 square feet, architectural expectations (brick or similar cementitious components and hardiplank options), a mandatory homeowners association with covenants limiting rentals to no more than 5% of units, provision of pedestrian connectivity and amenity areas, and a requirement that construction begin within 24 months of rezoning approval or the property revert to its previous zoning.

The applicant said the project will include internal courtyards, sidewalks and amenity space and that the product mix will resemble DRB’s nearby Barrett Point community. Cameron Heath (DRB) said the homes will be roughly 1,850–1,900 square feet with three to four bedrooms and that DRB expects to price initial units above $400,000.

Opposition centered on access, traffic and the applicability of prior rezoning stipulations. Steven Snow, an attorney and Kennesaw resident representing Cedar Creek Professional Office interests, argued the proposed townhome plan departs from conditions the commission negotiated in City of Kennesaw Ordinance 2006-20 for the adjacent tract, citing differences in buffer widths, setback depths and approved exterior materials. "The proposed development cannot be constructed as designed and be in compliance with the existing ordinance," Snow said, urging the commission to delay action until DRB confirms whether it has two points of access as shown in its submission.

DRB and staff responded that the 2006 ordinance applied only to a 2.88-acre parcel and did not bind the 8.8-acre tract now before the commission. The applicant told commissioners the concept site plan shows two access points—one to Pine Mountain Road and one to Highway 41—but acknowledged that title or easement issues could require them to return for changes at the land-disturbance or permitting stage. DRB representatives said two access points are the preferred solution for circulation and safety but that legal and real-estate details remain.

Speakers for and against the rezoning also raised traffic concerns. Staff noted the applicant submitted a traffic impact study and said the study was part of the basis for staff’s recommendation; the study flagged potential impacts and suggested the city may need to evaluate whether a traffic signal is warranted. Public commenters described existing stacking at the Pine Mountain Road/Cobb Parkway area and warned that adding new residential traffic could worsen congestion and safety risks.

Commissioners questioned whether a right-in/right-out design or other geometric changes would mitigate stacking; public commenters and DRB disputed whether a single access would be safe or sufficient. Dave Schwickerath, president of the Village of Pine Mountain Homeowners Association, told commissioners he supports a quality development and believes two access points are safer for residents and local circulation, while other nearby property representatives urged caution.

After public comment and deliberation, Commissioner Trim moved to approve RZ2025-03 subject to staff conditions and Commissioner Greenall seconded. Chair called for the ayes and opposed voices were audible. The chair declared the motion carries and the rezoning was approved; the record includes stated objections from adjacent-property representatives and attorneys who requested further review of access and compliance questions. Staff noted a separate application to remove or revise a prior stipulation will appear on the March agenda.

Next steps: The rezoning now goes to Mayor and Council for their consideration on Feb. 16, 2026, and DRB indicated it will address remaining title and access issues during permitting. If construction does not begin within the 24-month window specified in the conditions, the property will revert to its prior zoning as set out by staff.