Planning commission recommends permit for Zenith Crest Living personal care home in Douglasville

The Douglasville Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a special land use permit for a proposed personal care home at 7145 Stonecrest Drive.

Chelsea Tubbs, the planning and zoning administrator, told commissioners the property is zoned R‑2 and that a special land use permit is required “for the approval for 2 to 6 residents.” She said the home would offer assisted activities of daily living but not skilled nursing, and that the city’s UDO and state rules govern occupancy and care requirements.

Deborah Chermathan, the applicant and owner/administrator of Zenith Crest Living, said she is a registered nurse and will live onsite as the primary supervisor. “I will make sure that the home always maintain its residential appearance and character,” she said, describing plans for three meals a day, laundry, housekeeping, medication reminders and staff available 24 hours.

Commissioners asked about bedroom counts and whether the garage would be converted to sleeping space; Chermathan said the existing three bedrooms plus a converted garage could meet state square‑footage requirements should the state permit up to six residents. Commissioners also noted that the state and the fire marshal determine final occupancy limits and care standards.

A commissioner moved to recommend approval; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the mayor and City Council, which will consider the item at its legislative meeting on Aug. 13 and vote on it on Aug. 17.