Peachtree City commission approves landscape plan for 1601 MOBA Drive with street-tree and native-plant conditions

The Peachtree City Planning Commission on a voice vote approved the landscape plan for 1601 MOBA Drive (Lot 5 in the MOBA Complex), adding two conditions requiring replacement in kind of any street trees damaged during construction and that the builder meet the applicant's native-planting commitments.

Staff presented the project, saying it is in GI (General Industrial) zoning and noting the site has 75,518 square feet of impervious surface and a proffered tree‑save area of 22,838 square feet, which made the project eligible for a 7% reduction in planting requirements. Staff said the ordinance requirement equated to 212 canopy inches and 141 understory inches; the submitted plan showed 213 canopy inches and 142 understory inches, meeting the numerical requirement. Staff also reported that about 60% of the proposed trees are native to the Eastern/Southeastern United States while only 25 of the proposed shrub species are native, for a combined native-species share near 48% as submitted.

Jason Walls, Highland Lane Planning and Southtree Commercial Development, said the tree save buffer was proffered because of nearby power lines and described site context for the tenant, Osmos, who is relocating nearby. "We're committed to get the native species up to over 80% at least, both shrubs and trees," Walls said, adding he would provide the revised plant list to staff.

Commissioners questioned whether shrubs were included in the native-plant metrics and whether staff's recommendation targeted 60% native species. Commissioner Hamner (S2) confirmed shrubs were included and said his personal recommendation was at least 60% native plants. After discussion, Commissioner Allen moved approval with two provisions: replacement of damaged street trees along Mowba Way and Mowba Drive in kind, and compliance with the applicant's commitment to reach at least 60% and pursue over 80% native plantings. The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

The approval also requires parking-lot perimeter plantings and 100% landscaped parking islands with canopy and understory trees, evergreen shrubs or ground cover, as reflected in the applicant's plan. The applicant pledged to submit the final native-species list to staff for verification.

The commission took no further action on the item after the vote; next procedural steps are to record the approved conditions in the project file and for staff to monitor compliance during permitting and construction.