Public Hearing: YES ☒ NO ☐ Department: Planning & Sustainability
SUBJECT:
Title
COMMISSION DISTRICT(S): Commission District 04 Super Districts 06 and 07
Application of the Director of Planning & Sustainability for a text amendment to Chapter 5: Small Area Plans of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. This application is for the adoption of the Stone Mountain Trail Master Plan and its vision, policy, and goals for future development of the planned area.
Body
PETITION NO: N-13-2025-1082 TA-25-1247701
PROPOSED USE: Stone Mountain Trail Master Plan.
LOCATION: Commission District 4, Super Districts 6 & 7
PARCEL NO. : N/A
INFO. CONTACT: Tricia Prevost, Sr. Planner, AICP
PHONE NUMBER: 404-371-2155
PURPOSE:
Application of the Director of Planning & Sustainability for a text amendment to Chapter 5: Small Area Plans of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. This application is for the adoption of the Stone Mountain Trail Master Plan and its vision, policy, and goals for future development of the planned area.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
COMMUNITY COUNCIL: (Aug. 2025) Approval.
PLANNING COMMISSION: (Sept. 9, 2025) Full-Cycle Deferral.
PLANNING STAFF: Approval.
STAFF ANALYSIS: The applicant is seeking to adopt the Stone Mountain Trail Master Plan’s general vision, policies, and goals to Chapter 5: Small Area Plans of the 2050 Unified Plan as guidance for future development of the planned area. This study was funded by the Atlanta Regional Commission under the Community Development Assistance Program to study the subject area and provide recommendations for economic development, affordable housing, anti-displacement strategies, mobility, and placemaking. As an important pedestrian corridor, the Stone Mountain Trail provides the opportunity to enhance the neighborhoods around it through pedestrian connectivity, infill housing options, public art, trail amenities, safety improvements and economic development. Between October 2024 and September 2025, DeKalb County, with consultants from Pond & Company, underwent an extensive planning process, including existing conditions analysis, public engagement, and developing strategies and recommendations. The public engagement efforts included a project website and survey, which received over 300 responses, two pop-up events, two open houses, and a design charette. Intercept surveys were also conducted on the trail to directly engage trail users. Additional feedback and reviews were received from a stakeholder committee, County staff, and County Commissioners. The combination of public engagement and feedback from community and County representatives ensured plan recommendations aligned with the goals and vision of the subject area. The plan includes 3 nodes with recommendations tailored to the unique conditions and goals of each area. Recommendations include intersection safety and connectivity improvements on the trail; opportunities for mixed-use development and affordable housing; placemaking through art and furnishings; and anti-displacement strategies to protect existing residents and ensure equitable development. Adopting the Stone Mountain Trail Master Plan as an amendment to Chapter 5 Small Area Plans in DeKalb County’s 2050 Unified Plan will enable the Planning & Sustainability Department – Long Range Division – to move forward with ARC and DeKalb County’s shared goal of creating a strong, equitable pedestrian-oriented community along the trail corridor. Therefore, Staff recommends “Approval”.
PLANNING COMMISSION VOTE: (September 9, 2025) Full-cycle deferral 8-0-0. Commissioner Murphy moved, Commissioner Cooper seconded for a full-cycle deferral to the November 2025 zoning agenda to allow the applicant to receive more input from the community and to allow the Board time to review changes in the draft that they just received prior to this meeting. Commissioner Costello was not present for this vote.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL VOTE/RECOMMENDATION: (Aug. 2025) Approval 5-0-3.