Public Hearing: YES ☒ NO ☐ Department: Planning & Sustainability
SUBJECT:
Title
COMMISSION DISTRICT(S): Commission District 03 Super District 06
Application of Walter Artis and Felicia Williams for a renewal of a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) to allow a Child Care Institution (CCI) for up to six (6) children in the RSM (Small Lot Residential Mix) zoning district and the Soapstone Historic District, at 2931 Ward Lake Way.
Body
PETITION NO: N5-2025-1624 SLUP-26-1247825
PROPOSED USE: Child daycare facility, for up to six (6) children.
LOCATION: 2931 Ward Lake Way, Ellenwood, Georgia 30294
PARCEL NO.: 15 009 05 032
INFO. CONTACT: Lucas Carter, Planner
PHONE NUMBER: 404-371-2155
PURPOSE:
Application of Walter Artis and Felicia Williams for the renewal of a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) to allow a Child Care Institution (CCI) for up to six (6) children in the RSM (Small Lot Residential Mix) zoning district and the Soapstone Historic District.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
COMMUNITY COUNCIL: (Dec. 2025) Full-cycle deferral.
PLANNING COMMISSION: (Jan. 6, 2026) Pending.
PLANNING STAFF: Approval.
STAFF ANALYSIS: The applicants operate WLA Youth Services LLC, a licensed Child Caring Institution (CCI) within the existing single-family residence at 2931 Ward Lake Way. The facility serves up to six youths between ages 14 and 18 with developmental disabilities-including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. The facility provides 24-hour, 7-day-a-week supervised care. Residents up to age 21 may remain in the program based on individual needs and state guidelines. The SLUP was originally approved in January 2023. The applicants now seek renewal of a CCIl to continue operations without expansion or modification to the residential structure. The home remains non-owner occupied. As previously stated by the applicants, the Office of Provider Management (OPM) state-level regulations prohibit staff or owners from residing on site. Staffing remains consistent with the prior approval: • Four staff members on rotating 10-hour shifts • A Program Director making regular visits • A Life Coach providing mentorship and oversight This staffing structure supports round-the-clock supervision consistent with state licensing requirements. A Child Caring Institution is defined by the Zoning Ordinance as a building in which housing, meals, and continuous watchful oversight for four to six children under age 18 are provided, and the facility must be licensed by the State of Georgia. Operational Review Since Initial Approval Staff evaluated the facility’s performance during the previous SLUP period: • Code Enforcement: No active or historical violations related to property maintenance, operations, or occupancy were found. • Police Department: No incident reports or calls for service indicating nuisance, safety concerns, or negative neighborhood impact were associated with the address. • Community Feedback: Staff received no opposition, complaints, or concerns from surrounding residents or civic associations during the current renewal cycle. There is no record of neighborhood disturbance attributable to the use. • Site Conditions: The residence continues to function in its original configuration, and parking operations remain consistent with the 2023 approval. Driveway capacity remains adequate for staffing needs. Based on this information, staff finds that the use has operated responsibly, without adverse impacts to surrounding properties, and remains appropriate for its zoning district and land-use context. Therefore, staff recommends “Approval” of the application.
PLANNING COMMISSION VOTE: (January 6, 2026) Pending.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL VOTE/RECOMMENDATION: (December 2025) Full-cycle deferral 9-0-0.