Planning Commission Recommends Approval for ‘Shire’ Zoning Changes

By a 9-0 margin, the Gwinnett County Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions for a request to change some of the zoning restrictions associated with the property known as "."

The applicant of the property requested a change in conditions (CIC2012-00008) for the 33-acre parcel of land located in the 3600 block of Braselton Highway to remove prohibitions against 24-hour sales, automotive parts stores, group and congregate personal care homes, full and self-service automotive car washes, drive-in and drive-through restaurants and emission inspection stations.

In making his case in support of the changes, attorney Lee Tucker said the applicant was requesting relief from a site plan that “is not feasible in today’s market.”

“We’re dealing with finishing a development that started in better times,” Tucker said.

Hamilton Mill resident Stephen Day said economic conditions should not be a factor in the decision.

“I stand in opposition,” Day said. “I just want to reiterate the new owner’s proposal is way out of line with the original proposal which basically set a very upscale type of standard for the area and was not a continuation of fast food restaurants and sort of your typical Highway 78, Highway 29, Buford Highway stuff.”

Day said approving the request could be a tipping point in terms of the future of the surrounding area. By allowing the changes, Day added, the entire area could be adversely impacted.

“I’m asking you to protect the community of Hamilton Mill as it was originally envisioned,” Day said.

Fellow Hamilton Mill resident Chuck Thomas also expressed concern about the proposed zoning changes, particularly those allowing for 24-hour sales and drive-through restaurants.

“That would have a significant adverse impact on our community,” Thomas said.

The planning commission recommendation included leaving the prohibition against automotive parts stores, full and self-service automotive car washes, 24-hour sales and emission inspection stations in place. Group and congregate personal care homes and drive-in and drive-through restaurants will be allowed under certain conditions. Specifically, the drive-in and drive-through restaurants will be restricted to outparcels along Braselton Highway. The buildings within the development will be required to meet the existing overlay district requirements and lighting must also comply with the overlay standards.

Planning commission chairman Chuck Warbington also added a condition that plantings will be placed within the buffer and construction of a berm completed within 180 days of zoning approval.

The zoning request will go before the Gwinnett County Board of Commissions on Sept. 25.

Other cases on the Sept. 4, 2012 agenda included: 

• RZC2012-00013 (Dollar General case) – The applicant requested that a . The planning department recommended denial and notes the property lies within a rural estate character area that allows for limited commercial activity in order to preserve a rural setting. Planning commission action - Tabled until Oct. 2
• CIC2012-00011 – The applicant requested a change in conditions for a 13.92-acre piece of property located in the 4300 block of Hog Mountain Road. The applicant requested that the standards for the planned Mountain View Plantation subdivision be revised to remove the requirement that homes have three or four sides brick. The planning department  recommended denial of the request. Planning commission action – Tabled until Oct. 2
• SUP2012-00055, SUP2012-00056 – The applicant requested the renewal of two special use permits for a 1-acre piece of property in the 1700 block of Winder Highway to allow for continued use of the property for a truck rental facility and the outdoor storage of tires. The planning department recommended approval with conditions. Planning commission recommendation - Approval with conditions by a vote of 9-0

The cases that were not tabled will go before the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 25, 2012.

Other nearby cases involving a personal care home on Doc Hughes Road, a Montessori school on Spout Springs Road and several cases near the Gwinnett Braves stadium were also on the Sept. 4 agenda. Visit .

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