South Fulton planning commission recommends denying rewrite that would loosen gas-station spacing

The City of South Fulton Planning Commission on Feb. 18 recommended denying a proposed text amendment that would repeal a 2021 ordinance limiting the spacing and location of new gas stations.

Staff described T26-001 as a rewrite that would repeal Ordinance 2021-033 (which had established a three-mile radius limit and a 1,000-foot buffer from residential uses) and move some regulation into the city’s business-licensing chapter. Under the proposed language, gas stations could be allowed in C-2, M-1 and M-2 districts or be subject to special-use review depending on proximity to existing stations or residences.

Dozens of residents and community leaders packed the meeting to oppose the change. ‘‘The repealing of this ordinance is truly the worst that South Fulton has to offer,’’ said Nadia Murray (resident), arguing the repeal would contradict the city’s stated goals for health and environmental protection. Donna Gumbs (resident) warned of lights, crime and noise near homes and asked why the city would favor more gas stations rather than EV infrastructure. Paul Brady (resident) said reducing the spacing from three miles to roughly 1.5 miles ‘‘does nothing but bad for everybody except the folks that want to build the gas stations.’’

Opponents raised process concerns as well as outcomes, saying the draft had been revised multiple times and circulated to the public with little notice. ‘‘We can’t keep up,’’ said Diana Reskress (resident). ‘‘This is something new today. It’s unfair to the residents.’’ Cedric Williams (resident) called for the commission to deny the rewrite or defer it until fuller documentation and public outreach were completed.

Commissioners debated whether to defer the item to allow additional public engagement or to deny it outright. Citing repeated public concerns and the short public-review window, Commissioner Perry moved to deny the text amendment. The motion carried on a roll call; the chair announced that ‘‘the ayes have it.’’ Staff noted the most recent draft was distributed to commissioners the prior week and explained that, even if the Planning Commission recommends denial, the text amendment will still appear on the Mayor and Council agenda for their review.

What happens next

The Planning Commission’s recommendation against T26-001 will be included in the record for the City Council’s consideration. Staff said the item will appear on the Mayor and Council agenda at their next meeting; any action there, including a different outcome, will determine the final change to the city code.