Plans to build a new gas station in McDonough received concept plan approval this week. The property obtained commercial zoning in 2004.
The new gas station will presumably be the last new gas station within city limits. That’s because of a new buffer requirement passed by the city in January.
Last New Gas Station in McDonough
Alliance Investment & Management, LLC sought the concept plan review for a new gas station on Willow Lane. The property had C-3 (highway commercial) zoning since 2004. The ’04 conditions required any future applicant to present a concept plan before the city council. This process was so the city could review the site plan for general layout and aesthetics. It was not a rezoning request, nor a review of the proposed use.
The subject property consists of 1.36 +/- acres at Willow Lane and Shoppes Lane. This is behind the new Chick-fil-A and oil change business.
The applicant intends to build a 6,300 square foot convenince store and fuel pumps. The building also has space for a quick-service restaurant and drive-thru lane. Which QSR will occupy the secondary space has not been determined.
In addition, they agreed to several conditions at the city council's request. These items include meeting the city's updated landscaping and signage requirements. Such items include cross-buck fencing, street trees and monument-based ground signage. The applicant will also complete a traffic impact study and install any recommendations from the study.
The council voted 5-2 (Burt and Thomas opposed) to approve the concept plan review. They considered the item during the February 17 meeting. The applicant is estimating construction could begin in about one year, following plan review and receiving permits from the city.
McDonough Gas Station Buffer
In January, the McDonough council adopted its updated zoning code. This included a new one-mile buffer requirement for gas stations. When mapping the one-mile buffer, it covers almost the entire city. The few areas not covered are residential. Because of the new buffer, there will presumably be no new gas stations within the city limits.
The Willow Lane request may proceed forward because they submitted paperwork before the new buffer took effect. Another request on Racetrack Road could make an argument to be grandfathered — not the station under-construction but another project across the street approved in 2023. However, according to the city, the owner of the under-construction service station has purchased the adjacent property and intends to build a different use. For these reasons, the Willow Lane location will presumably be the last new gas station within the city.
Featured image shows a gas pump. stock photo.
