The McDonough city council is considering adoption of a new overlay district to increase zoning standards. The council is taking a second look how best to apply the overlay following public comments by MHF News owner Clayton Carte.
The proposed overlay district would closely follow zoning standards Henry County first adopted six years ago. The initial proposal only considered applying the overlay within 1/2 mile on either side of I-75.
McDonough Overlay District
Henry County first adopted the highway corridor overlay district in March 2017. Stockbridge soon thereafter adopted a nearly-identical version of it. The overlay district implements higher zoning standards for new construction along major roadways. Examples include building exterior requirements, a wider sidewalk width, street trees and pedestrian path lighting. It also prohibits certain uses such as pawn shops and automotive repair.
Now, McDonough is considering adopting the overlay district. Staff presented the concept to council members in January. The council had prepared to vote on it February 2. The initial concept would have applied the overlay district within 1/2 mile on either side of I-75. This included land abutting the following roads:
- Highway 81 W,
- Industrial Blvd,
- Highway 20,
- Hampton Road,
- Highway 155 S,
- Willow Lane,
- Avalon Parkway, and
- South Point Blvd.
The proposal to only apply the overlay along I-75 differs significantly from Henry County. By contrast, the county applies the overlay district on all major roadways throughout unincorporated areas. It was this difference which I spoke on during public comment.
I encouraged the McDonough council to mirror the county when adopting the overlay district. This would apply its increased zoning standards along major roadways throughout the city, not limited to the I-75 area. I would like to publicly thank the McDonough council for considering my comments and tabling this item during their February 2 meeting. This provides staff and the city an opportunity to reconsider how best to adopt the overlay district.
The McDonough city council next meets on Monday, February 20. Meetings are open to the public beginning at 6 pm. Meeting agendas are posted online on the city website.
The full text of the proposed overlay district, as previously drafted, is available under the February 2 meeting packet at the link above.
Featured image shows the original proposal for the McDonough Highway Overlay District. McDonough photo.
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