Public Hearing: YES ☒ NO ☐ Department: Planning & Sustainability
SUBJECT:
Title
COMMISSION DISTRICT(S): Commission District 03 Super District 06
Application of Erica Childs for a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) to allow for a Child Care Institution for up to six (6) individuals in the R-75 (Residential Medium Lot-75) zoning district, at 2667 Candler Woods Court.
Body
PETITION NO: N7-2025-0291 SLUP-25-1247431
PROPOSED USE: Childcare institution, up to six (6).
LOCATION: 2667 Candler Woods Court, Decatur, Georgia 30032
PARCEL NO. : 15 119 04 046
INFO. CONTACT: Lucas Carter, Planner
PHONE NUMBER: 404-371-2155
PURPOSE:
Application of Erica Childs for a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) to allow for a childcare institution for up to six (6) individuals in the R-75 (Residential Medium Lot-75) zoning district.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
COMMUNITY COUNCIL: (April 2025) Two-cycle deferral.
PLANNING COMMISSION: (May 6, 2025) Approval with two (2) conditions.
PLANNING STAFF: Approval with two (2) conditions_rev. 05.09.2025.
STAFF ANALYSIS: The applicant seeks a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) to operate a personal care home for up to six individuals within an existing single-family home on a 0.23-acre lot in the R-75 zoning district. The subject property, located at 2667 Candler Woods Court, is surrounded predominantly by residential uses and zoned R-75 on three sides, with MR-2 zoning to the east. The proposed land use child-care institution is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s Suburban (SUB) character area, which supports low-density residential uses and community-serving amenities that enhance neighborhood well-being. The proposed use is residential in nature and would occupy an existing single-family home, with no new construction or exterior modifications. The lot provides adequate space for required yards, open areas, parking, and buffer zones. The closest similar facility is approximately 2,200 feet away and would not result in an oversaturation of care homes in the area. The property is served by adequate public utilities, emergency access routes, and road infrastructure. The home is situated on a residential street with sufficient traffic capacity and ingress/egress for emergency response and daily operations. Given that the facility will operate 24/7 as a residential living space, there is no anticipated negative impact on traffic congestion, noise, or other nuisances. In addition, there are no known historic or environmental resources on or adjacent to the property that would be affected. The personal care home complies with the supplemental regulations outlined in Section 4.2.8 of the DeKalb County Zoning Ordinance and supports the intent of the Suburban character area by offering a residential-scale supportive housing option. It advances the county’s planning goals by meeting community needs for inclusive and accessible housing. In summary, staff recommends "Approval with the two (2) attached conditions" for the proposed Special Land Use Permit. The use is compatible with surrounding residential properties, consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, and meets zoning and operational standards.
PLANNING COMMISSION VOTE: (May 6, 2025) Approval with one condition 6-0-0. Winton Cooper moved, Jan Costello seconded for approval with the condition that the SLUP be renewed two years after occupancy.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL VOTE/RECOMMENDATION: (April 2025) Two-Cycle Deferral 7-0-1. Council recommended a two-cycle deferral to allow the applicant time to meet with the community and explore options to modify the application to meet the concerns of the neighborhood, including a possible condition for SLUP to expire after certain time period and proceed through SLUP renewal public hearing process upon expiration.