Development News for Stonecrest, Georgia

Planning Commission Recommends Approval to Amend Conditions for Solar Farm Development

The planning commission considered an amendment to remove specific conditions from a previous county case (CZ 00060) that would have allowed the development of an assisted living facility at 6,400 Woodrow Road. The applicant, Mr. Adulthus Armstrong, representing New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, sought to remove conditions related to dwelling units, building height, setbacks, parking, and exclusive use for supportive living multifamily dwelling units. This removal would permit the property to be developed and operated as a solar farm, serving as a renewable energy resource for the church campus and broader development, aiming to reduce operating costs and the carbon footprint. Staff recommended approval of the amendment with new conditions pertaining to solar panel and related equipment development, environmental regulations, screening, buffering, and limitations on other intensive uses without further zoning approval. The commission opened a public hearing, heard from the applicant, and discussed the process, clarifying that the solar panel use itself would undergo a separate review and permitting process, not a board approval. After public comment and deliberation, the commission voted to recommend approval of the amendment to the city council.