Board reviews 107‑lot conservation subdivision proposal with 18 conditions and dam rehab requirement

Planning staff presented rezoning application 2504009 for roughly 88 acres along East Cherokee Drive, recommending approval to R‑20 conservation design with multiple conditions.

Staff outlined that the applicant proposed a 107‑lot conservation subdivision with primary and secondary conservation areas, an internal amenity area and a proposed reduction of certain buffers for some lots; Planning Commission recommended approval with 18 conditions and the applicant proffered five additional conditions after the hearing. Those added commitments include preserving a 50‑foot undisturbed buffer between the amenity area and the adjacent Woodridge Estates subdivision, a replanted 20–25 foot buffer, a sound wall between pickleball courts and adjacent homes, prohibition of lighting at pickleball courts and limited amenity hours, plus a dam rehabilitation plan to meet Georgia Environmental Protection Division standards prior to land disturbance.

Staff also highlighted transportation requirements: a GDOT‑standard left‑turn lane into the site and right‑of‑way acquisitions prior to LDP approval; stormwater quality and quantity controls and a no‑rise flood study were required for floodplain encroachments. Commissioners praised the preservation aspects but repeatedly questioned the amenity location and asked staff to ask the applicant whether the amenity center could be relocated farther from adjacent neighborhoods.

Why it matters: the proposal would alter land use and create a sizeable age‑restricted community (planning staff noted an 80% occupancy threshold for 55+ residents in HOA covenants), trigger infrastructure improvements and require EPD‑level dam work.

Next steps: commissioners asked staff to work with the applicant on potential amenity relocation and to advertise necessary hearings and permitting steps; any final decision will reflect compliance with the 18 conditions and the new proffers.