On the agenda: Douglasville Planning Zoning Variance — data center (Oct 19)

DOUGLAS COUNTY ZONING VARIANCE
HEARING AGENDA
October 19, 2026

Call to Order - Planning & Zoning Board
APPROVAL of MINUTES
Approve the minutes from the September 21, 2026 Variance Meeting.
AGENDA
V2026-13

ADJOURN

Dennis Bishop – a request for a Hardship Variance to park an
oversized truck at his residence located at 1959 Skyview Circle,
Douglasville, 30135. Land lot(s) 902, District 18, Section 2 & Parcel(s)
15. Lot size: .53 acre(s). Application signed by Dennis
Bishop. Commission District #2.

September 21, 2026
The Douglas County Variance Board met on the above date.

The following members were present.

Variance Board
Brig Simmons, Chairman was absent
Brandon Pennamon
Melissa Polk was absent
Orrick Curry
Chris Small was absent
Frank Payne
Larry Toney

Staff
Allison Duncan, Planning & Zoning Manager
Austin Cronan, Zoning Administrator
Johannah Womack, Clerk of the Planning & Zoning Board
Bruce Mercer – Traffic Operations

Minutes
Mr. Simmons called for a motion for the July 20, 2026 minutes.
Mr. Curry made a motion to approve the minutes from the July 20, 2026 meeting. Mr. Payne
seconded the motion.
Motion carries 4-0.
Mr. Simmons was absent at the July 20, 2026 variance meeting and therefore did not vote.

1

September 21, 2026

Application V2026-11
Andrew Wiseman/ Providential Signworks – a request for a special exception variance for the
size and placement of a sign for Foamworks Auto Space at 369 West Fork Ct, Lithia
Springs,30122.Land lot(s) 314, District 18, Section 2, Parcel 1. Lot size 1.46 acres. Application
signed by Andrew Wiseman. Commission District #2.
Mr. Cronan presented this application.
Summary of Proposal:
The applicant is proposing a 37.5 sq. ft. canopy sign to be installed on the
existing face of the self-detailing canopy station.
Existing Conditions:
o The property has an active Occupational Tax certificate for an automatic car
washing facility. A monument sign faces Thornton Rd and has space for each of
the tenants within 236 Thornton Rd as well as the tenant at 369 Thornton Rd.
o The canopy is currently unmarked, and the canopy is oriented perpendicular to
Thornton Rd. The proposed canopy signage would be viewable by vehicles
heading north along Thornton Rd.
o A 3,200 sq. ft., nonresidential building that is the automatic car wash building is
sited.
Discussion:
o The Unified Development Code makes a distinction between free-standing
canopy signage and building-face signage. The Unified Development Code
permits a maximum size of 15 square feet for canopy signage on free-standing
canopies. The Unified Development Code permits a maximum of 20% of the area
of the wall facing a street for a building-face, wall sign.
o Thornton Rd is a state route with vehicular traffic reaching speeds typical of a
state route.
o A hardship does not appear to be present owed to the distinction between
2

September 21, 2026
building-face, wall signs and canopy signs. The building-face, wall sign, if the
option is pursued by the applicant and property owner, would accommodate the
request.
Recommendation and Findings: Special Exception Variance to Increase the Maximum Sign
Area from 15 sq. ft. to 37.5 sq. ft.
Staff is recommending denial of the request based upon the following findings:
1. The use will modify the intent, purpose, or spirit of the Unified Development Code.
2. The use will adversely affect the public health, safety, or welfare.
Mr. Jason Boyko presented this application. He stated that the sign was damaged in a storm and
they just wanted to replace it with the same type of sign.
No one spoke in favor or in opposition to this application.
Mr. Simmons called for a motion for Application V2026-11.
Mr. Pennamon made a motion to deny Application V2026-11. Mr. Payne seconded the motion.
Motion carries 5-0.
Application V2026-11 is denied.

Application V2026-12
Jodi Bellam – a request for hardship variance at 1394 East Stoneybrook Drive, Douglasville, 30134.
Land lot(s) 726, District 18, Section 2, Parcel 31. Lot size 8.71 acres. Application signed by Jodi
Bellam. Commission District #1.
Mr. Cronan presented this application.
Summary of Proposal:
The applicant intends to split 1 acre out of the existing 10 acres for a home site. The location of the
lot is proposed to be along the westerly portion of the site and adjacent to 1402 W Stoneybrook Dr.
The lot is proposed to be served by a private easement.
Existing Conditions:
o The property is 10.1850 acres in size and derives access onto E Stoneybrook Dr
along its current terminus point as a public right-of-way.
o The site abuts the quarry to the East.
3

September 21, 2026
o The topography of the site is more varied and steep along the easterly portion
than the westerly portion.
Discussion:
o The site appears to be the logical continuation of the Stoneybrook subdivision
should it have developed further. Both E Stoneybrook and W Stoneybrook drives
terminate at the site or at a location which would suggest a continuation was
contemplated.
o The Unified Development Code permits residential lots to be served by a private
easement provided that the lots are greater than 5 acres in size. The proposal is
for a 1-acre lot to be served by a private easement.
o Lot frontage for the subject site is limited, and it appears that two single-family
home lots derive access through the subject site to E Stoneybrook Dr possibly
through an easement.
o The easterly side of the property borders the quarry, and this section has more varied
topography than the easterly side. No level-3 soils test has been
submitted that would suggest either side is more suitable for residential
development.
o The Unified Development Code limits the amount of lots to be served by a
private easement at 5 lots. If the proposal is approved, 3 lots may be potentially
served by a private easement, but the use of a private easement would not be
out of character for the lots to the south of the Stoneybrook, Unit 2 subdivision.
Recommendation and Findings: Hardship Variance to Reduce the Minimum Lot Frontage from
50’ to 0’ and to Reduce the Acreage Requirement for a Residential Lot to be Served by a
Private Easement
Staff is recommending approval with condition of the request based upon the following
findings:
1. The reduction in lot frontage and minimum acreage requirements will not impair the
intent, purpose, or spirit of the Unified Development Code.
2. The reduction in lot frontage and minimum acreage requirements will not adversely
affect the public health, safety, or welfare.
Staff is recommending the following condition:
1. The lot shall be permitted to undergo a two-lot split and no further unless the property
complies with the major subdivision procedures of the Douglas County Unified
4

September 21, 2026
Case Number V2026-12 Meeting Date 09/21/2026 Page 4 of 4
Development Code. This statement shall be present on the lot-split plat presented
before Douglas County for review and consideration.
Mr. Jodi Bellam of 1394 East Stoneybrook Drive represented this application. She stated that they
wanted to cut out an acre of their property in order for their daughter to build a home.
No one spoke in favor or opposition to this application.
Mr. Payne asked Ms. Bellam do you agree with the condition.
Ms. Bellam replied yes.
Mr. Simmons called for a motion for Application V2026-12.
Motion carried 5-0.
Application V2026-12 is approved.
Meeting adjourned.

Brig Simmons, Chairman of the Douglas County Variance Board

Johannah Womack, Clerk of the Planning & Zoning Board.

5

DOUGLAS COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING
HARDSHIP VARIANCE STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Application Number
Applicant Name
Property Owner Name
Property Address
Land Lot, District, Section, Parcel

V2026-13
Dennis Bishop
Dennis R. Bishop
1959 Skyview Cir, Douglasville, GA 30135
Land Lot: 0902; District: 18; Section: 2; Parcel:
0015
Current Zoning
R-LD, Residential, Low-Density
Future Land Use Classification
Urban Residential
Character Area Classification
Traditional Neighborhood
Request
Request for a Hardship Variance to Allow
Relief from Article 6, Section 610(a) and
Parking of a Heavy Truck
Associated Rezoning
N/A
Associated Special Use
N/A
Associated Future Land Use Map Amendment N/A
Size (in acres)
0.52 acres
Commissioner District
2
Subject to an HOA, POA, or similar?
N/A
Proposed Use
Heavy Truck Parking
Recommendation
Denial
Meeting Date
10/19/2026
Relevant Code Sections:
Article
Section
6
610(a)

Prior Zoning Actions:
Year
Case #
N/A
N/A

Description
Regulations controlling for prohibited parking on residentially
zoned lots;
In the R-LD zoning district, no person shall be allowed to park any
commercial heavy truck, truck tractor, truck body, or semi-trailer
over 24’ in length except for loading purposes. No semi-trailer,
truck body, or truck-tractor cab shall be parked or stored unless
otherwise authorized by [the UDC].

N/A

Summary of Action

Variance Criteria Analysis:
Number

Variance Criteria

1.

Are there extraordinary and exceptional conditions pertaining to
the particular piece of property in question because of its size,

V2026-13

10/19/2026

Supports
Requested
Use
No
Page 1 of 3

2.

3.

4.

shape, or topography?
The subject property is a platted lot within the Sunset Hills subdivision. There are
no exceptional conditions pertaining to this particular property because of its size,
shape, or topography that would introduce a hardship if there shall be a strict
reading of the Unified Development Code in enforcing Article 6, Section 610(a).
Would the application of the zoning or subdivision ordinance to
No
this particular piece of property create an unnecessary hardship?
The intent of the UDC would not preclude housing the heavy truck within an
attached or detached garage if one were to read Article 6 and also the Home
Occupation regulations found in Article 3, Section 334 whereby heavy trucks may
be permitted as long as they are fully enclosed within a garage. A hardship has not
been rendered as the applicant has available options to construct an attached or
detached garage that would house the heavy truck.
Are conditions peculiar to the particular piece of property
No
involved?
This property is similarly situated in lot size, width, and existing conditions as many
lots within the Sunset Hills neighborhood.
Would relief, if granted, not cause substantial detriment to the
No
public good or impair the purposes and intent of the UDC?
Relief, if granted, would cause substantial detriment to the public good and impair
the purpose and intent of the Unified Development Code. The intent of the Unified
Development Code—specifically as it relates to prohibitions on heavy truck
parking—is for protections from off-site impacts such as roadway impacts and
viewshed impacts. The introduction of heavy truck parking may alter the
appearance of the lot for a single-family detached, principal use.

Planning Concerns:
• Existing Conditions:
o The property is located within the Sunset Hills neighborhood. The single-family
detached home was constructed in 1963.
o The property is similarly situated in lot size, width, and existing conditions as
many lots within the Sunset Hills neighborhood.
• Summary of Proposal:
o The applicant is requesting relief from Article 6, Section 610(a)—prohibitions on
heavy truck parking—to allow the parking of one heavy truck. If approved, the
parking would have to be on a permanent, improved surface.
• Discussion:
o There are not conditions present on the lot that would introduce a hardship. The
same regulations would similarly apply to all of the lots within the Sunset Hills
neighborhood.
o The applicant has met with staff, and staff has discussed the option to construct
an attached or detached garage to fully enclose the vehicle to limit off-site
impacts to viewshed and meet the intent of the Unified Development Code
insofar as storage of heavy vehicles or equipment on the property.

V2026-13

10/19/2026

Page 2 of 3

Recommendation and Findings: Hardship Variance to Allow Parking of a Heavy Truck
Staff is recommending denial of the request based upon the following findings:
1. Approval of the use would impair the intent, purpose, or spirit of the Unified
Development Code.
2. Approval of the use would adversely impact the public health, safety, or welfare.
Technical Impact Statements (Attachments)
• DC DOT
• Environmental Health
• Water and Sewer Authority
• Fire Department
• Sheriff’s Department
• Tax Assessor’s Office
• Engineering/ Arborist/ Development Control
• Code Enforcement
• Board of Education
• Cemetery Commission
Attachments
• Zoning Map
• Aerial Image
• Photo Log
• Site Plan
• Future Land Use Category and Description
• Character Area and Description
• Draft Ordinance

V2026-13

10/19/2026

Page 3 of 3

DOUGLAS COUNTY PLANNING & ZONING DEPARTMENT
Impact Study for Special Use Permits, Rezonings and Variances

TRANSPORTATION PLANNER
Recommendation Summary
CASE NUMBER:

V2026-13

DATE OF MEETING: October 19, 2026

The site is located at #1959 Skyview Cir. Skyview Cir is a Local Street with a posted speed of 25 mph.
The existing Right-Of-Way along Skyview Cir is 50’ per the County GIS map.
Douglas County Department of Transportation offers the following recommendations:
1. Douglas County Department of Transportation takes no exceptions to the variance requested by
the applicant.

DOUGLAS COUNTY PLANNING & ZONING DEPARTMENT
Impact Study for Special Use Permits, Rezonings and Variances

WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY
REQUEST FOR:

Special Use Permit

Rezoning

CASE NUMBER: V2026-13

✔ Variance

DATE OF MEETING: October 19, 2026

WATER
1. Available for development?

✔ YES

NO

2. Size and location of existing water line (if available): 2" main in Skyview Circle
3. Is there adequate water pressure for the additional fire protection that may be required for the new project?
Recommend fire flow test

4. Is the existing water line adequate for the project? If not, what size line will be required?
Recommend fire flow test

5. What are the future plans for expansion of water lines and the approximate time table?
No

SEWER
1. Is sewer available to the project? How far from the proposed development is the nearest sewer line?
Yes, 8" sewer; 589 feet in the Starlight Homes Subdivision

2. Approximate length of time before the sewer line will be reasonably accessible to the development:
3. Estimated waste generation:

ADF

PEAK

4. Treatment Plant:

South Central WWTP

5. Plant Capacity:

✔ Available

Not Available

6. Line Capacity:

✔ Available

Not Available

7. Projected Plant Availability:

✔ 0 to 5 years

5 to 10 years

8. Have pressure-flow tests been completed for preliminary subdivision plats?
N/A

9. Have the development plans been approved by the water and sewer authority?
No plans have been submitted.

10+ years

10. Special Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Concern: State and County law prohibits erosion of
soil off-site, and requires the installation of a silt fence or other erosion control measures before any land
disturbance or construction may commence.

11. Stormwater Concerns:

12. Additional Remarks:
No Objection
Prepared by: Diana Johnson

¢
SUNSE
T

DR

!
8

Applicant: Dennis Bishop
Location: 1959 Skyview Cir Douglasville, GA
Land Lot Lot: 902 Dist: 18th Sect: 2nd Parcel: 09021820015
Lot Size: Acres: .53
Case #:
Z2026-13

DDCWSA Impact Study Map

Legend

Water System Valves

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8

<all other values>
WSA_Roads
Water Mains
Border

WSA_Parcel_Poly

9/15/2026
Joselyn Beckwith

SKYVI
E

W CIR

SUNSE
T

DR

¢
Legend

WSA_Roads

Storm Open Drains
Border

WSA_Parcel_Poly

Applicant: Dennis Bishop
Location: 1959 Skyview Cir Douglasville, GA
Land Lot Lot: 902 Dist: 18th Sect: 2nd Parcel: 09021820015
Lot Size: Acres: .53
Case #:
Z2026-13

DDCWSA Impact Study Map

9/15/2026
Joselyn Beckwith

DQUGLAS COUNTY PLANNING & ZONING DEPARTMENT
Impact Study for Special Use Permits, Rezonings and Variances
FIRE DEPARTMENT

REQUEST FOR:

☐sSpecial Use Permit

DATE OF MEETING:

CASE NUMBER: V226-13

Unit

Estimated

Located at

Approximate

Response Time in

Distance in Miles

1

4

2.2

L

Fire Responding

Variance

Rezoning

4

22

10

a

3.9

Station#

Minutes*

Fire Engine
Advanced Life

Support EMS Unit
Aerial Fire
Apparatus

*Estimated Response Times are based on applicable first responding units being in-service
and available for immediate dispatch.
Current Fire Protection Rating of Area: Class

Minimum Water Requirements:

750

Miņimum Water Main Size:
Fire Hydrant Spacing Requirements:

3
Gallons Per Minute plus Domestic Demand

Inches in Diameter Per

Systew Designw.

Feet Intervals

NO
Yes
Water Flow Data Required?
(Supplemental water supplies and hydrants may be required based on specific features of proposed
development)

Additional resources needed (if any) to supply an adequate service level to the requested
project:

Comments:
Shall provide and maintain adequate access for all emergency service personnel/equipment and apparatus.

huery

9/16126

1959 Saview

Douglas County Sheriff's Office

Impact Response

Case #:

-

Special Use Permits, Rezoning, and Variances

V2026-13

Prepared by: Colonel Doug Oliver

Summary:
At present, there is adequate law enforcement coverage in the
assessment reflects the current status of citizens and busines

area.

Please note that this

ses. Future impacts on public safety

services will be influenced by continued population growth, as well
as new housing
developments, apartment complexes, data centers, warehouses, and commer

are

anticipated to be approved in the coming years. Providing

will carry a significant financial burden

for Douglas County.

cial businesses that

the expected level of public safety

Current Response Times:
Estimated arrival time for non-emergency calls today: approximately 15-20 minutes.
Response time is influenced by factors such as:
•
Time of day
•
Traffic conditions
•
•

•

Proximity of deputies to the call
Number of deputies on duty
Priority of other pending calls

As the population grows, response times are expected to increase due to:

Higher residential density

Increased commercial and industrial traffic

Congested roadways and surface streets

Staffing and Resource Needs:
Some vacant positions are being filled with new and existing officers.
Current State & policy regulations require a new Deputy to
complete:
•
20 weeks of mandate training
•

12 weeks of field training before independent patrol

Currently, the department is approximately 45 positions short with an additio
nal
employee's retiring this year, requiring an increase in overtime to meet
staffing needs.
Additional employees will be necessary across all divisions to support
the expected

growth from housing developments, commercial buildings, warehou
ses, and data centers.
Increased traffic and accident response demands are anticip
ated.

Future Needs (Next 4-6 Years):
Additional patrol deputies, jailers, investigators, and traffic
officers will be required once
all new developments are occupied.
Infrastructure improvements should ideally precede large-s

cale residential and

commercial growth.

Financial Considerations:
The county's current tax burden is primarily supported

by existing residents.

Multi-billion-dollar companies receiving tax abatements should share a
fair portion of the
cost for public safety and infrastructure to mitigate the financia
l impact on citizens

.

V2026-13
Case Specific Request:-2

Donmie Bistep
1959 5/6

scle

Pareg
Concerns/

25 fod watera
Drieiay appeas oppropiste
f
Co

observation:

the rogrest.

an

of Stly ien
iew Ceile & Sen Set.

May Seving wi
w le exitif drive wag.

Colonel Doug Oliver

DOUGLAS COUNTY ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Impact Study for Special Use Permits, Rezonings, and Variance Requests concerning Floodplain, Drainage, Soil
Erosion/Sedimentation Control, Traffic, Roadways and Intersections and Other Engineering-Related issues.

Dennis Bishop
Case Name:_______________________
Request For:

V2026-13
10/19/26
Case No.________________
Meeting Date:_______________

Special Use Permit

Rezoning

✔ Variance

1. Is any of the property in a floodplain identified on the FIRM?
Zone A/AE (100-yr floodplain)

✔ Zone X (Not in Floodplain)

2. Is there a stream, body of water, or drainage easement on site or adjacent to this property?

✔ NO

YES

3. In what drainage basin is the proposed project located?
Sparks Reservoir

✔ Anneewakee Creek
4. Traffic Concerns:

Bear Creek

Dog River

Sweetwater Creek

Hurricane Creek

Chattahoochee River (direct drainage basin)

Intersections

Right-of-Way

GA DOT Permit Req’d?

Ingress/Egress

Sight Distance

Existing Roadway Conditions

None.

5. Additional comments by the Engineering Department:
None.

6. Are there any existing significant stands of trees or specimen trees on the property?
No.

7. Are there any viable buffers existing on the perimeter of the property?
The driveway where the truck is stored does not have visual buffers. Fencing and/or additional landscaping would be
needed if a visual buffer is desired.