Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

[clears throat] Oh,

I'm glad. [laughter and clears throat] I'm sorry. I didn't mean to spell All right. All right, Amber, you ready?

Hey, good afternoon everyone. Um, welcome to the first planning commission um, meeting of 2026. Happy New Year. Hope everyone had a enjoyable holiday. I think it is 2:59 and probably 59 seconds. And so [laughter] we're going to um, be punctual. And so, um, right at three, we're going to call this meeting to order and and ask the staff to read the opening statement. And, um, by my clock, it says three, right? Let's do it. Good afternoon everyone. Happy New Year. But yes, so today, this is the Augusta, Georgia Planning Commission, who is a recommended body. The final decisions on all zoning matters coming before it today will be made by the Augusta Commission on Tuesday, January the 20th, 2026 at 2 p.m. in the Augusta Commission chambers at the municipal building. The planning commission makes the final decisions on all variances, including subdivision regulations. A handout describing the procedures by which these cases are decided, is available upon request. These procedures also require that any applicant for a reszoning action or any opponent to an application for a reasoning action who has made contributions aggregating $250 or more to a local government official within two years of the resoning application to file a disclosure report with the governing authority. The disclosure report must be filed within 10 calendar days of filing the application and at least 10 calendar days prior to today's hearing. A minimum of 10 minutes shall be afforded for the presentation of data, evidence, and opinions on each side of a reszoning petition or a special exception. If more than 10 minutes is afforded to one side, then an equal amount of time shall be afforded to the other side. The commission

encourages participation in this hearing and there is no restrictions on who may address the commission within the allotted time, but the commission asks that the public comments be brief, on subject, and non-repetitive and directed to the commission, not to any individual or group.

Um, thank you for that. Um to the staff, is there any agenda item that we need to address far as postpone postponement? Letting the audience know. I know we have a um yes, a special exception postponement. Does it need to be read into the record? Yes. Uh number seven, that's SE-26-02. A petition by Diamond Communication on behalf of Georgia Power Company requesting a special exception per section 28- A-5A of the comprehensive zoning ordinance to establish a telecommunication tower affecting proximity containing approximately 3.66 acres located at 4436 Deanbridge Road.

Okay. So if um if anyone is here for that particular petition that special exception um it will be postponed into the February meeting. Okay. Let's take the remainder of the agenda from top to bottom. All right. Do you want me to read both one and two as compared? Yeah. Yeah. So the first two can be companion items.

Okay. All right. Number one Z-25-44. A petition by uh Shade Kong on behalf of Prestige Wealth Management LLC requesting a reszoning from zone R-3A multiple family residence to zone R-3B multiple family residential to develop a tiny home community community affecting approximately containing approximately 0.92 acres located at 1412 House MBA road number two SC-2825-14 petition by Shade Kong on behalf of Prestige Wealth Management LLC requesting a special exception per section 17-2 of the comprehensive zoning ordinance to establish a tiny home community affecting approximately containing approximately 0.92 acres located at 1412 Hz of Mag Beam Road. Staff represent Thank you, Mr. Vasser, Mr. Chair, members of the commission, ladies and gentlemen. Good afternoon. Todd Kennedy with the planning and development staff. I'm going to go ahead and uh uh read off the case here. Um Z25-44 and it's a companion item governing concurrently SE25-14. Bill just be one presentation covering them both. Okay. The information is as follows. The summary of the request includes the petition seeks to reszone approximately 0.92 acres. the request to change the zoning from R3A, multiple family residential, to R3B, multiple family residential, to allow for a tiny home community upon approval of a special exception. That'll be the next case. The property contains a 240 square ft shed that is used as an office that was uh placed on site um without proper permitting. The conceptual site plan submitted with this application process

to construct a total of five tu uh tiny homes. The overall project uh aims to help lowincome families by providing affordable rental units. This petition was postponed by the planning commission on December 1st, 2025 to allow for the applicant uh to work with the health department and an engineer to create more detailed plans. Please note uh uh that the findings and recommendations of this report uh pertain strictly to the petition to reszone u the property. Uh the um the merits of the special exception uh petition SE25-14 are discussed in the staff report for that petition. Both petitions must be approved by the Augusta Commission for the tiny home community to begin operations. Comprehensive plan consistency. This property is in the South Richmond character area. The 2023 comprehensive plans vision for the South Richmond character area uh will will be to maintain its uh predominant rural atmosphere characterized by large tracks of forest land, open space, rural residences, some farms and creeks. Additional suburban residential and uh commercial development will be located in areas designated in for such uses. Industrial industrial development will be limited to existing locations uh in the Augusta Corporate Park. Uh public facilities and services will be expanded as necessary to accommodate the growing population. This petition for reszoning is not consistent with the 2023 um comprehensive plan. Okay. The findings uh they are as

follows. Findings 1 through 21. Number one, section 26-1V of the comprehensive zoning ordinance allows for tiny home communities in R3B zones with the approval of a special exception. Number two, the conceptual site plan and exterior renderings have been submitted with this application. Number three, the five unit tiny home development will be comp uh comprised of pre-fabricated uh container home buildings. The colors can be custo customizable while the material will be comprised of galvanized steel and sandwich panels. Number four, the proposed tiny homes uh will will each measure 400 square feet, which satisfies the size requirement of 400 square feet or less. Number five, each dwelling unit is limited to 1 and a half stories in height. The letter of intent states that some tiny homes are proposed to be two stories in height, which would be which would not be permitted in this zoning district. Number six, the proposal has an overall density of 5.4 units per acre uh which satisfies the five units per acre minimum density requirement permitted in the R3B zone. Number seven, the concept plan does not show a front uh a front setback. However, the development, if approved, would need to meet minimum setback uh required uh in section 26-1V uh 15 of the comprehensive zoning ordinance of 20 ft. Number eight, the rear yard setback of two tiny homes along the east property line would um should be increased from 8 feet to 20 feet. and the rear yard setback of two tiny homes uh of two tiny homes along

the west property line should be increased to from 12 ft to 20 ft. Number nine, a minimum of 0.18 acres um or 20% of the of the property shall be dedicated to common open space uh hereafter referred to as village green. The village green may include landscaping, active and passive recreational facilities, water features, and uh andor any natural areas. Number 10, the village green shall be centrally located within uh the proposed development and accessible uh all residential accessible by all residents and tenants. The um the concept plan features a picnic area uh with grills and uh green space. According to the concept plan, the there is approximately 21,900 square ft of green space or uh 50 uh 55%. Number 11, the owner of the project is Prestige Wealth Management LLC. The owner shall own and maintain Village Green. Number 12. The letter submitted with the application states there will be four guest parking spaces uh at the office and then each tiny home uh will have two uh parking spaces uh for a total of 14 parking spaces. However, this parking lot will need to conform to the Augusta tree ordinance and include the uh the required tree islands. Number 13, there is no loading area presented on the concept plan and would need to be factored into the parking plan. Number 14, there will not be a dumpster with an enclosure presented on the concept plan and it would need to be factored into the into the plan. Number 15, according

to section 26-1 V18, every tiny home must be serviced by public sewer and water. public water is present. However, sewer is not present in the area. Number 16, the concept plan proposes a septic area behind the tiny homes for an engineered septic system. Number 17, um uh he um hepesbah uh Mcbine Road is identified as a minor arterial route. The overall parcel must have permanent paved access uh to uh to um Heb Hespa Mcbine Road. Number 18, the the subject property is not within the flood zone. Number 19, there are no wetlands present on the subject property. Number 20, uh the proposal is not consistent with the aspects of the 2023 comprehensive plan. Number 21. At the time of completion of this report, staff has um has received uh many notifications of opposition regarding this petition as advertised. Okay. Comments received by uh engineering/utilities are as follows. Engineering comments are there are no storm system or water uh quality given um in this concept and parking must be uh must be standard uh parking must have standard dimensions. Okay, the fire comments are as follows. The closest fire hydrant is over 750 ft away from the furthest most home, which is not desirable for this uh application. Also, the distance from the closest fire um fire department is 186 ft uh between the parking lot and the furthest home. This uh this would greatly affect fire operations and medical response. Typically, the maximum distance is 150 ft. And that concludes my presentation uh

for these two cases. Mr. Chair, thank you, Mr. Kennedy. Um I see the petition in the audience. How you doing, Miss Kong? Um welcome back. Um you come forward and give us your name and your address and um this body is familiar with your project and what you're hoping to achieve. So if you could give us any uh new relevant updates from the last time we saw you.

Yes, my name is Shade Kong. address 4902 Windsor Spring Road, unit 62, Haxaba 30815. So, we did hire a scientist to do go out on the land and and to work with the health department and I would like to introduce to you the construction company that's hired to build this project, Matt with Augusta Construction. All right. So, if you can give us your name and address.

Matt Lane. It's 485 Columbia Industrial Boulevard, Evans, Georgia 3089. Um, so yeah, she uh hired us. We did this concept plan and it's exactly what it is. It's concept. It was kind of, you know, last minute. Um, we work we're working with Blue Water Engineering to do a uh septic design system on that because it's got to be, you know, uh, built to that. There is a few other areas uh like mentioned that we got to do for the the garage or not the garage the garbage garbage area um and stuff like that. So we're still working through that. Blue water hasn't got back with us yet because of the they've been out for the holidays. Um so I think that's one of the major pieces that we're still waiting on the septic design of the septic system. Um, but like I said, we're willing to change this any way we we can to come in compliance or whatever we need to do for zoning and planning. So, other than that, I don't

All right. Thank you. Um, commissioners, do you have questions of the petitioner? Commissioner Spencer, there any way with your change that you will be able to affect the setbacks also with on that? Yeah. The the the 20 talking about 20 foot setbacks and stuff like that. Yeah. Yeah. We can we can address all that that's needed to be addressed. Correct.

Yes. Additional questions or comments um from commissioners. Okay. Seeing none, anybody in the audience in opposition to this petition? All right. Staff, you want to get a count of the individuals who are in opposition? Do you have a spokesperson? um to express your opposition or you just want your opposition to be noted. Okay. If there's going to be multiple speakers, the opposition has a balance of 10 minutes and so if you would like to speak, um if you could address this podium This one, sir.

On your left. My name is Doug Lively. I live at 1925 Heeps of a Mac Bean Road. I've run a Facebook page called 30815 Neighborhood Watch and the overwhelming response when this information was posted uh as to the plans to put the five tiny homes there has been negative. I will just tell you that um I hear as I hear and I've attended the premeating, I hear more reasons not to do this than I hear to do this. And I don't I don't uh I don't think that tiny homes is a bad idea. I just think it's a bad location. I think tiny homes may be great for some inner city location within walking distance on bus routes, etc., etc. But as mentioned about the uh 2023 plan for Augusta, the eighth district, more specifically Heepsville, Georgia is designated as farms, farm homes. I myself live on 10 acres and a 4500 square foot home. And uh if these types of developments have the legacy of trailer parks and apartments, then within a period of 10 years, they will degrade. We have found that the upkeep usually is is is not up to par. And eventually what they do is they they attract a clientele that is of a lesser than desirable neighbor, if you will. There any questions of me?

Thank you, Mr. Lively. Greatly appreciate your input. Um, anybody else from the opposition want want to speak before we close that portion? All right, ma'am, if you would come forward and give us your name and address and your comments. You have a balance of about seven minutes. stage.

Um, I'm the one who gives you all the handouts. I'll tell you that. And I was gonna stand up here with a little speech. Yeah. Before you begin, ma'am, you can just give us your name and your your address.

I am so sorry. Vicky Richardson and it is 1429 Hebc Bean Road. Just a hop and a skip away. So, I'm sorry I forgot about the microphone and a little bit nervous. Um, there is a lot on the handouts I've been giving you. The latest one that I handed you today, and I apologize for it coming in so late, but I just found out it was facts on the aquifer, which runs underneath us. Aqua, I'm sorry. No, keep talking.

Did I do something wrong? I'm put it on the screen so

um lost my train of thought. It's your fault.

No, seriously. I know there's a time here. Um it's the agricultural designation isn't just for atmosphere. I mean, I could sit here and tell you about my three yakres, okay? I could tell you about the blind raccoon but the important facts um are in the paper and it's that aquifer of all the things that I have read about the aquifer is divided into different it's classified in different zones okay the one we live in is called high priority or critical. And what this equates to is, and I love analogies, forgive me. If you had a coffee filter and ran your water through it, you know how it just drip drip drips? Well, that's in a regular zone. You take the priority zone, the high priority zone, and add a hole at the bottom of the coffee filter. And everything that falls down on top of that ground goes and goes down into our drinking water. There is a water tower uh on Old Wsboro Road only about 2 and a half miles from where we live. Um that's that's mighty close. Now you got the septic tank problem there which is not allowed to be underneath the buildings.

Okay. Several different reasons. Um, one is space because you've not only got to allow for a septic tank and a drain field, you have to have a backup drain field just in case something goes wrong. Well, and that's a double problem, a double-edged sword, because if something goes wrong, you got to move the structure to get to it or dig a tunnel. Now, there are more problems with that besides regulations. Regulations say that the septic tanks have to be 10 ft from the foundation of the home. And by the way, I haven't heard any mention of foundations yet. And one of the sticking points I had was on the application itself. If you will read the the manufacturer's description of these homes, the very last line is these are meant for outdoor temporary housing. say anything about permanent homes. So, we're looking at not just the safety. Yeah. You know, not just the water problem. We're also looking at a safety thing. I am in full support of affordable housing. Okay. but responsibly. And responsibly means homes that aren't going to blow away when the next hurricane comes through. And we can't anymore. We can't sit here

and say, "Well, that'll never happen." No. Uh they're foldable. They go up in 10 minutes. What goes up? When is it going to come down? you know that that's an awful strong wind that came through. You've got so many other things and like I said, I was going to sit here and read them all to you, but you can read, you know, um you don't want to spoil, not spoil, but ruin everybody's water. I couldn't find facts and figures yet. Give me time and I will find them for you on how long a spill would stay in the water. How long far will it go? Because that aquifer I had no idea. I knew there was an aquifer. I thought it was a little pond someplace down the road. I didn't know it ran from Columbus to Augusta. It's about 50 miles wide. So, how far will the pollution which will have a plume effect from multiple septic tanks? How far will that go? How many people are going to get sick and, you know, at the very least be inconvenienced? And you've got not only the Augusta regulations, you've got Georgia regulations.

Mr. Richardson, pard pardon my interruption, but you have a balance of about one minute. So, if you can um just give us your final thoughts. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. I knew I was going to do that. [laughter] Darn. Um but that was so interesting. No, seriously. All I can do is draw it to a close now and leave you with all the paper I've dumped on you. Um, thank you for your time and I thank particularly Amanda who I have pestered to death on the phone asking questions and she's been very patient with me. So, thank you and I know that you will do the right thing. Thanks.

Thank you. [clears throat] Are there any supporters in the audience? All right. If y'all y'all got a couple if you want to um count the supporters. All right. We're going to give you the same opportunity if you want to express your support or if you just want it to be noted. All right. Okay. Um let's hear from the staff. Staff recommendations. All right. The planning development staff recommends denial of the reszoning request to R-3B multiple family residential as the property is unable to meet the multiple requirement for a tiny home community and it's not consistent with the aspects of the 2023 comprehensive plan. That concludes staff recommendation. My chair will entertain a motion.

Motion to deny. Second. It's been moved and seconded to deny to deny this um petition. Um can we do a roll call vote? Yeah, because if this one, you know, passes, if the denial passes, the the special exception will the companion will also fail. Okay. All right. Or we can do a roll call vote.

All right. So, okay. That's a motion to deny Z2544. All right. Who I got? Commissioner Owens. How do we vote? Yes to deny or no to yes to deny. Okay. Commissioner Spencer. I What' you say, Spencer? Oh, I said yes to deny. Okay. [laughter] Commissioner Larry. Deny. Deny. Okay. Commissioner Clark, yes to deny. All right. Commissioner Mcnite, deny. Commissioner Prince, no. and Commissioner Owens, I mean O'Neal, I'm sorry.

Commissioner Cooks, sit up. Abstain. I can't even see you. Okay. I skip you, too. Commissioner Davis, how do you vote? Deny. Okay. [laughter] All right. So, Z2544 has been denied. Okay. Did I say something real quick? Yeah, absolutely. And but before you do, so this will be moved to the full commission. What date is that? Okay. So, this will be moved to this recommendation will be moved to the um January 20th uh full commission. So, you will have another opportunity um you know to represent your case, but you can certainly say something now. Absolutely.

My zoning is for multifamily residents. So, I do want the entire community to know it might not approve for tiny homes, but I have the money to put a multifamily apartment complex there. That is not a resoning. I am licensed by my zoning that I can build that. Second of all, I would like to announce the 40 acres of tiny homes that I'm building in Arizona that is approved for 300 tiny homes for veterans and for people to live and have a home over their head. And I'm very proud of that project. But I was hoping that Augusta would have given an opportunity of five homes for families that are living in their home in cars. But this is not a dis defeat or not going to happen. I have my money to build a multif family apartment complex that is right next door to my property that has eight units with a septic tank. It can happen. So it's already zoned and I already hired the construction company to build whether which way this had went. Okay. So I just wanted to let you know. Thank you all for your time cuz I've been busy flying all over the United States and meetings, especially with the 40 acres that my company just purchased. So, thank you.

All right. Well, thank you, Miss Kong. All right. To the staff, because this one is denied, do we need to take a vote for the special exception as well? Okay. For the record, yes, sir. All right. All right. We'll entertain a motion for the special exception. Motion 2514. Second. All right. It's been moved and seconded to deny um special exception 2514. Um we can also do a roll call vote. You want to do all favor? You had one abstension. Oh, that's right. Roll call. Y'all good. Okay. So, we got a motion. We're denying special exception 2514. Commissioner Owens. Um yes to deny.

Commissioner Spencer. Yes. Commissioner Cooks. Abstain. Okay. Commissioner Larry, no. Commissioner Clark, yes to deny. Commissioner Davis, no. Commissioner Mcnite, no. Commissioner Prince, and Commissioner O'Neal. Thank you. So, that's petition has been denied as well. All right. Thank you. All right. Let's proceed.

All right. Number 3 Z-26-01. Petition by Sheila R. Buller on behalf of the Macedonian Baptist Church of Augusta requesting a reszoning from zone B-1 neighborhood business to zone B-2 general business to establish a public event venue affecting property containing approximately 8.26 acres located at 1755 Gordon Highway staff will present.

Thank you Mr. Vasser, Mr. Chair, members of the commission. Once again, Todd Kennedy from planning and development staff here to discuss this case. Summary of the request is as follows. The petition seeks to reszone approximately 8.26 acres. The request to change the zoning from B-1 neighborhood business to B-2 general business. It um to allow for a public event venue at one of the leasable suites. The property contains a 68,77 square ft shopping center built in 1985 with a large parking lot facing Gordon Highway. The site has both ingress and egress from both Gordon Highway to the west and Milligville Road to the north. The comprehensive plan consistency is as follows. This property is in the South Augusta character area. The 2023 comprehensive plans vision uh for the uh for the South Augusta character area uh will be to reflect a mix of housing types preserving suburban st uh style single family neighborhoods as well as mixeduse and plan developments. Established activity centers are the focus for enhanced recreation and educational activities, retail investment and job opportunities. Infill will be instrumental in the future development of South Augusta. One of the development patterns identified includes adding commercial and retail development at major intersections near underserved neighborhoods. Based on cross-checking the proposal with the 2023 comprehensive plan, the petition um for resoning is consistent with the 2023 comprehensive plan. The findings are as follows and they are 1 through 10. Um, number one, section 22-1 of the comprehensive zoning ordinance allows for theaters, billboard uh um or pool part um billiards, excuse me, billiard or pool parlors, bowling alleys, skating rinks, or other similar um uh recreational uses or places of

assembly. Number two, the con um the concept plan has been submitted with the submitted application uh as there uh is no proposal for future redevelopment at this time. Number three, the letter submitted with the application states that suite H on the site will be used for an event planning and services at this location. Number four, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation GOT, uh some uh state functional classification map 2017, Gordon Highway is classified as a major artiller artiller um arterial, excuse me, can't even talk today. Uh and Milligville Road uh is classified as a minor arter arterial route. Number five, the uh the entire site is a shopping center with abundant parking. A B-2 uh general business zoning classification would allow greater flexibility of land uses to be permissible at this site, enabling greater uh potential for economic vitality in the area. Number six, a variety of zoning classifications exist in the vicinity of the site including B1 neighborhood business and B2 uh general business and LII light in uh industry or light industrial and R1A one family residential. Number seven, the subject property is not located within special flood um hazard area except for a small area at the south end of the parcel that has already been landscaped. Number eight, there are no wetlands present on the on the property. Number nine, the proposal is consistent with the 2023 comprehensive plan and is compatible with the surrounding land uses. And number 10, at the time of the completion of this report, staff has not received any inquiries regarding this petition as advertised. Uh, with uh comments um from um uh engineering and utility, no comments have been received by staff. Mr. Chair, that concludes my presentation.

Thank you, Mr. Kennedy. Is the petitioner present?

All right. If you could come forward to the podium and give us your name, address, uh any details on your project. My name is Sheila Ra Butler. Um the purpose for this um establishment is to host events um special days like birthday parties, baby showers, weddings and etc. Um we also um do give backs like as hosting Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas dinners um for families to come sit in. So it' be different events that we host there for the community. Um but this is the purpose that we are trying to establish is for event center.

All right. Uh Miss Butler, could you give us your address as well? Oh, 2290 Basswood Drive. That's the Georgia. All right. Thank you. Commissioners, do you have questions of the petitioner? All right. Seeing none, anybody in the audience in opposition in the same way? Anyone in the audience that supports? All right. Let's hear. All right. Sir, would you like to express your support or just you just wanted to be noted? Come come to the podium if if you could just give us your name and address for the record.

My name is Willis Holly and I'm the property manager of that shopping center and we've talked extensively there. I've talked to all the tenants there. Nobody have anything in opposition. Okay, great. your address, sir? Uh 1755 Gordon Highway Suite B. All right. Thank you so very much. Um okay. Staff recommendations. The planning development staff recommends approval of the reszoning request to B2 general business as the property is compatible with the 2023 comp comprehensive plan and surrounding land use. That's concludes staff recommendation. All right. Chair will entertain a motion. Move to approve. Mr. Chairman. Second.

All right. It's been moved and seconded to approve petition Z-26-01. Um, all in favor? I oppose saying right. All right, your petition has been approved and this recommendation will move forward to the full commission on January 20th. Thank you guys.

All right, let's proceed. All right. Um, next one is Z-26-02, a petition by Jennifer Jones on behalf of the Plunkin Family Replicable Living Trust requesting a reszoning from zone R-11 family residential and R-1A, one family residential to zone B-1 neighborhood business to develop a private school campus affecting pro prospaining approximately 5.32 acres located at 3118 Skin in a mirror circle staff represent.

Good afternoon. Ashley Caterton, development services administrator 2026. Sorry. Um, so the summary of this request is the applicant is seeking to reszone a 5.32 acre property that's located at 3118 Skinner Mill Circle from single family residential R1 and R1A to B1 which is neighborhood business and this is to develop a private school campus. Specifically, this private school will be a fully equipped freestanding specialized early intervention school and therapy clinic for children with medical and developmental needs. According to the 2023 comprehensive plan, this property is located within the West Augusta character area. The vision for West Augusta is to promote limited development of remaining vacant properties with infill residential development at densities that are compatible with the surrounding area and site design that reflects existing neighborhood patterns and architectural styles. Commercial development is to be confined to existing locations and any redevelopment of commercial sites should be appropriately buffered from adjoining residential areas. were findings. The letter of intent that was submitted with the application indicates that the proposed development will include first bullet point a fully equipped freestanding specialized early intervention school and therapy clinic offering physical, occupational, speech and feeding therapies. Bullet point number two, an integrated early childhood and elementary, middle, and high school for children with medical and developmental needs. And from my research, the initial

location, um, that's adjacent, that's located on 3104 Skinner Mill, um, that was from 6 weeks to kindergarten. So, they're expanding their age group. Bullet point number three, a safe, accessible campus design, including specialized therapy spaces, adaptive playground areas, and adequate parking. Bullet point number four, hours of operation generally between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. with occasional early evening therapy appointments. And bullet point number five, traffic flow and parking plans that ensure safe student arrival and dismissal and minimize neighborhood impact. Continuing on, there is no recent zoning history for this specific property. And as I mentioned, the adjacent property at 3104 Skinn Mill Road has been reszoned to B1, the neighborhood business, with a special exception for a similar concept back in 2018 by the same applicant. This property is not located within a special flood hazard area. There are no wetlands located at this property. The nearest public transit stop is located approximately one mile away directly east on Washington Road. Uh according to GOT, the um Skinner Mill Road and Skinner Mill Circle are classified as local roads. Adjacent zoning districts consists primarily of single family residential with a church that is adjacent directly to the west. According to the preliminary traffic impact worksheet, traffic engineering has determined that the traffic that a traffic study is not necessary for the proposed development. The proposed reasoning request to B1 is consistent with the 2023 comprehensive plan and compatible with surrounding land uses along Skinner Mill Road. And at the time of completion of this

report, staff have not received any inquiries regarding the petition as advertised. for comments from engineering and utilities. Traffic engineering comments states, "Ensure interior driveway is spaced far enough from Skinner Mill." For engineering comments, the covered drop off must be 16 ft wide. Detention areas can't open, release into neighboring properties. They must release into a defined system. And for utilities, there were none received at this time. And that concludes staff's presentation. Thank you, Miss Cateran. Um, is the petitioner present? All right. If you would come forward and give us your name, address, and any um new details on your project. Hi, thank you all for having us here today. My name is Jennifer Jones. I'm the founder and executive director of Apparo Academy at 3104 Skinner Road, Augusta, Georgia. Um, thank you so much for looking at our petition today. I do want to make a couple of corrections to what she said that has um changed since we did our original submission. Um the plans are correct, but um we've been doing the feasibility study for what will our supporters support along with what do our families need? Um throughout this process at the same time, we submitted everything to y'all with a middle school and a high school originally, but through the feasibility report, we've determined that we really only need to go through elementary school, which has changed the drawings quite significantly because it removed a middle school building and a high school building. Um we've determined by working with children with special needs that they make the most gains up through about sixth grade. And that's really what we need to do. We need to keep these kids a little bit longer. It's been an amazing journey. Um, for the past seven years, we've impacted the lives of hundreds and hundreds of children. 55% of the children who leave our academy now at the kindergarten age no longer need therapy services. That's

lifechanging for those families, but it's also life-changing for Richmond County schools because now they don't need those silver services in first grade, second grade, and further on. So, it's saving taxpayer dollars when they move on to elementary school. Our goal is what about the other 45%. Unfortunately, when they move on to higher education, they get one time a month of therapy services. In our school, they get therapy three, four, five times a week. That's changing their lives. One time a month is not going to change their lives. So, in talking with our families and saying, "What do you need? How can we help?" Because they're distraught. They think we're kicking them out, but we're like, "We're small. We're 10 classrooms. You have to move on." But they see that as a detrimental kind of thing. So we say we we can see what we can do. Well, then this opened up that we could purchase this property and we can change more lives. So if we can keep these children just six more years through that sixth grade period, we can make an even bigger impact on the lives of these families. It's a big deal and it costs a lot of money to raise a child with special needs. I have five and I just want to help change the lives for these families and these children. The property will allow us to serve more children in a therapy setting as well. We currently have 23 therapists in our current building serving 275 children a week. By adding an extra therapy building, we're going to be able to impact more lives. The wait list in this town is six months to a year to get your child into therapy. That's a lot of time wasted that you can be changing that child's trajectory for life. Our goal is to impact more families and more lives. We've worked hard with um Booker and Vic um architecture to try to make sure that the design of this does not look like our current building. It looks like housing. Um, so if you look at the schematic that we've already submitted, this is going to look more like a housing um, type of property as opposed to a big building like what we're in currently on 3104 Skinner Road. We want to impact families, not impact this community in a negative way. And we just

um would like to know if y'all have any questions or anything for me that I can answer further. Thank you, Miss Jones. Um, commissioners, do you have questions of the petitioner? No, I just want to thank you for what you're doing as a retired educator. I really want to thank you for what you're doing at this time. Thank you. Thank you for those comments, Commissioner. Um, seeing no additional questions, anybody in the audience um in opposition to this petition. All right. In the same way, any supporters? See if you you guys want to express your support or just your support to be noted? All right. All right. Um, let's move to staff recommendations.

All right. The planning development staff recommends approval of the resoning request to B1 with the following conditions. The development must substantially conform to the concept plan submitted with this resoning application. Number two, any proposed lighting fixtures must be direct downwards and not towards the building. Number three, the development must comply with all aspects of the Gusta tree ordinance. Number four, the development shall provide a minimum of 20 foot wide natural vegetative buffers along the side and rear yards of the property. Number five, approval of this resoning request does not constitute approval of the conceptual site plan submitted with with this resoning application. The proposed development shall obtain site plan approval in compliance with the site plan regulations of Augusta, Georgia prior to construction commencement of this property. Number six, the development of this property shall comply with all development standards and regulations set forward by the city of Augusta Richmond County, Georgia as amended at the time of the development. Number seven, the property shall be limited to a private school or use per permitted in R1 zoning. And that concludes staff recommendations

to the petitioner. Do you accept those recommendations? Yes, sir. All right. Chair will entertain a motion. I recommend approval of staff's recommendations. Second. All right. It has been moved and seconded to approve petition Z-26-2 with the um staff recommendations. All in favor? I. Any oppose? All right. Well, it has been um approved. Your petition has been approved. Um and so your this recommendation be moved to the full commission on January 20th. Thank you.

Thank you. Let's proceed. All right. The next one is Z-26-03. A petition by I want to say PH Patel on behalf of Garrett H. Fully the second requesting a reszoner from zone Agriculture and L1 light industrial to zone B2 general business to develop a retail complex with a drive a with a drive to through affecting approximately 1.25 25 acres out of a 4.52 acres track located at 3416 3430 and 3438 Mike Pageant Highway. Staff will present Hello again. Ashley Cton, development services administrator. For the summary of this request, the applicant is requesting the resoning of approximately 1.25 25 acres from an overall 4.52 acre parcel to accommodate a proposed drive-thru restaurant and retail development. The subject area encompasses 3438 Mike Padet Highway and portions of 3416 and 3430 Mike Padet Highway. The site is presently occupied by an abandoned restaurant and an existing surface parking area and undeveloped land. The property maintains frontage along Mike Padet Highway. For comprehensive plan consistency, the property is located within the South Augusta character area. The plan's vision for this area describes commercial development characterized by shopping centers, small strip centers, professional offices, and individual commercial establishments arranged in a linear pattern along major streets and highways with clustering near Interstate 520 interchanges.

Recommended development patterns for the South Augusta character area also includes additional commercial and retail development at major intersections near underserved neighborhoods. For findings, there is no recent zoning history for the properties. The properties have nearby access to public water and sanitary sewer systems. The G dot classifies U Mike Padet Highway as a major arterial road. The proposed development meets the minimum off- streetet parking requirements. A total of 32 parking spaces are required and 52 spaces are provided on the concept plan. The nearest bus stop is approximately 180 ft from the subject property. The properties are not located within a special flood hazard area and there are no wetlands located on the properties. Adjacent zoning districts include agriculture, general business B2 to the north, agricultural and single family R1C and light industrial LI to the east, agricultural and LI to the south, and agricultural to the west. According to the preliminary traffic impact worksheet, traffic engineering has determined that a traffic study is not necessary for the proposed development. The proposed change in zoning to B2 would be consistent with the 2023 comprehensive plan. And for engineering and utilities comments, traffic engineering comments states that ensure driveways meet GOT standards. for engineering comments. Even with the decrease in impervious, the site must have detention. If existing detention can be definitely proven, it can stand for the new development. If not, detention must be provided in the design. And for utilities, no comments were received. And at the time of completion of this report, staff have

not received any inquiries regarding this petition. And that concludes staff's presentation. Thank you. Is the petitioner present? All right, sir. If you could come to the podium and give us your name, address, and any details on your project. [snorts]

Hello, my name is Push Patel. My address is 518 Seminal Place, A Costa, Georgia 30907. We are proposing a retail strip center along with a restaurant Dunkin Donuts which is now Duncan uh and other few retail restaurants uh in this area uh approximately 7,000 ft² building with a with a Duncan with a drive-thru and we also have another restaurant uh such as Subway looking at it as well and we'll be leasing uh the remaining space to other retail and office users. If uh any there any specific questions I can answer.

All right. Thank you, Mr. Patel. Um commissions, do you have questions of the petitioner? All right. Seeing none, anybody in the audience in opposition? All right. In the same way, anyone in the audience support? All right. Thank you, gentlemen. Uh and ladies, all right, staff recommendations.

All right. The planning development staff recommends approval of the resoning request to to a B2 general business with the follow condition. The parcels shall be combined into one parcel and the combination plaque shall be recorded with the clerk of superior courts office prior to submittal for the site plan approval. The property owners must file the necessary deed plaques for recording and then providing planning and development with a copy to ensure that the property has been appropriately transferred so that the real estate/tax records and GIS maps can be updated accordingly. The development must comply with all aspects of the gusset tree ordinance. Number three, the approval of this resoning request does not constitute approval of the conceptual site plan submitted with the resoning application. The proposed development shall obtain the site plan approval in compliance with the site plan regulations of Augusta, Georgia prior to construction commencing on the property. Lastly, the development of the property shall comply with all development standards and regulations set forward by the city of Augusta Richmond County, Georgia as amended at the time of development. This concludes staff recommendations.

All right, Mr. Patel, do you accept those recommendations from staff? Yes, sir. All right, chair obtain a motion. Move to approve, Mr. Chair. Second. And moved and approved to approve. Been moved and seconded, I'm sorry, to approve petition Z-26-03. All in favor? I oppose. Ain't right. All right. It has been approved. Um, petition Z263. All right, sir. So, this recommendation will be moved to the full commission January 20th.

Thank you, sir. All right. All right. Number six, SC-26-01, petition by Highside Companies on behalf of HR Commercial LLC requesting a special exception per section 22-2-D of the comprehensive zoning ordinance to develop an extended stay hotel affecting approximately properties containing approximately 3.76 acres located at 1060. Is that Clausen Road? CS and R staff represent.

Hi. Good afternoon. Rachel Martin uh with planning and development. Uh this application involves a 3.76 acre track located at 1060 Clawson Road. The applicant requests a special exception to establish an extended stay mot. Currently, the land remains vacant and undeveloped and can be accessed through the parking lot of 1058 Clawson Road. The concept plan submitted with this special exception application features the following. A fourstory extended stay hotel, 120 guest rooms with kitchens, 124 parking spaces, outdoor patio, amenity space or optional pool, amenity and storage building and a dumpster with enclosure. The proposed development is part of the West Augusta character area. The vision for West Augusta is to confine commercial development to existing locations and to ensure any additional redevelopment of commercial sites will be buffered from adjoining residential areas. The proposal is consistent with the 2023 comprehensive plan and the findings are as follows. Extended stay hotels are permitted by special exception in the B2 general business zone and shall meet the following um criteria. There shall be no direct vehicular access to any guest room. This um proposal is does not show any direct vehicular access to any guest room. So it is um compliant with this uh with this requirement. There shall be um staff or management on duty 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. And this uh hotel will meet that criteria. Each guest room shall have a minimum of 280 square ft

and this uh the smallest room that's shown here is 280 square ft. Therefore, it complies. No business license shall be issued for any business operated from any guest room and that it must comply with zoning regulations which it does. No outside storage or permanent parking of equipment or vehicles shall be permitted. Once again, this must comply with zoning resol regulations and it does. No building constructed under this section may be converted to or used as apartments or condominiums and that must comply with zoning resol regulations as well, which it does. A preliminary plan shall be submitted showing the proposed layout of buildings um ingress egress buffers and landscaping amenities and the density of the development. This preliminary plan shall be a consideration in granting the special exception. Uh it must comply the comprehens the conceptual plan does not include buffers or landscaping details. So we wanted to note that a previous special exception Z-6-52 was approved by the Augusta Commission on June 20th, 2006. The request was to establish an extended stay motel in a B2 general business zone and to modify a previous zoning condition which was on Z-96-109 to allow the serving of alcohol in the guest lounge of one of the two hotel proposals per the approved special exception from 2006. any use established any use established had to have you know had to start within six months of granting the request and since that did not happen therefore that special exception was no longer valid. Um according to FEMA uh

it's there's no flood in this particular area and there's also no wetlands. Public transit is not located in the immediate area according to G dot. Um, Clawson Road is classified as a local road and according to the traffic impact worksheet, traffic engineering has determined that a traffic study is not necessary. Um, adjacent zoning districts to the west, east, and south are also B2 general business. Properties to the north are zoned B1, which is neighborhood business. The proposed use is compatible with land surrounding land uses and consistent with goals and policies in the comprehensive plan. And at the time of completion of this staff report, we have not received any inquiries regarding the partition as advertised. We um also only received one engineering cons um comment that detention must be provided. And that concludes u staff's presentation.

All right. Thank you, Mr. Petitioner present. All right. If you could come up, give us your name, address, and any additional uh details on your project. Hello. Uh Lauren Garin. I live at 402 Bakers Fairy Trail in Martinez. I'm with Thomas and Hutton. I'm the civil engineer on the project. Um and and like what was said earlier, uh we are here proposing a development for an Ever Home Suites. It's a relatively new brand for Choice Hotels. Um there'd be 120 apartment-like guest rooms. Um and do you have any questions for me?

All right. Thank you, Miss Garren. Um, commissioners, do you have questions of the petitioner? All right, seeing none, anybody in the audience in opposition? All right, in the same way, anybody support? All right. Um, staff recommendations. Thank you. You had one back here for the record. In support, the planning development staff recommends approval of the special exception request with this following condition. number one shall comply with all as all applicable regul regulations set forth in section 22-20-2-d of the comprehensive zoning ordinance of Augusta Georgia number two stage hotels shall be limited to four stories with no more than 120 guests rooms number three must comply with all aspect of the Augusta tree ordinance number four the development of the property shall comply with all development standards and regulations set forth by the city of Augusta of Richmond County, Georgia as amended at the time of development. That concludes staff recommendation.

All right. Do you accept those staff recommendations? We do. All right. Chair will entertain a motion. Move to approve with recommendation. Second. It's been moved and seconded to approve this special exception. All in favor? Any opposed? All right. This um your special exception has been approved and it'll be moved to the full commission on January 20th. Thank you. All right. Anything from the legal session? No. Okay. [laughter] Making us hold our breath up here. All right. Uh, can I get a motion to approve the December minutes? Motion to approve. All right. It's been moved and seconded to approve the minutes from December. All in favor?

All right. Opposed? Seeing none. All right. Motion to adjurnn. Oh, somebody cooks. Cooks. Yeah. He said he's going to [snorts]