Public Hearing: YES ☒ NO ☐ Department: Planning & Sustainability
SUBJECT:
Title
COMMISSION DISTRICT(S): Commission District 01 Super District 07
Application of Donna Pittman for a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) to allow for an alcohol outlet (beer and wine sales) in the C-2 (General Commercial) zoning district, at 2615 Shallowford Road.
Body
PETITION NO: N9-2025-0293 SLUP-25-1247395
PROPOSED USE: Alcohol outlet (beer and wine sales).
LOCATION: 2615 Shallowford Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30345
PARCEL NO. : 18 246 02 009
INFO. CONTACT: Lucas Carter, Planner
PHONE NUMBER: 404-371-2155
PURPOSE:
Application of Donna Pittman for a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) to allow for an alcohol outlet (beer and wine sales) in the C-2 (General Commercial) zoning district.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
COMMUNITY COUNCIL: (April 2025) Approval.
PLANNING COMMISSION: (May 6, 2025) Approval.
PLANNING STAFF: Approval.
STAFF ANALYSIS: The applicant is requesting a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) to allow the sale of beer and wine at an existing convenience store located at 2615 Shallowford Road in the C-2 (General Commercial) zoning district. The subject property is 0.19 acres in size and is currently operating as a convenience store under DeKalb County Business License No. 1244639. The proposed use would allow customers to purchase beer and wine in addition to other retail items already sold at the store. No new construction or expansion of the business footprint is proposed. The site is adequate in size and currently meets all zoning requirements for the C-2 district. The use will remain a convenience store and continue to operate within the same building, maintaining existing off-street parking and buffers. The property has operated under new ownership since 2021 and has been in active use since 2022 without any reported conflicts with adjacent residential properties. Given the minimal physical or operational changes, the site is suitably configured to support the proposed use. The proposed use is compatible with surrounding land uses and is consistent with nearby commercial activity, including a gas station and liquor store directly adjacent to the property, and a major grocery store across the street. The proposed SLUP will not generate additional noise, traffic, or environmental impacts beyond those already present. Furthermore, all utilities, services, and access infrastructure are sufficient to accommodate the existing and proposed use. No changes to the circulation pattern, ingress/egress, or utility demand are anticipated as a result of this request. Staff has reviewed the application in accordance with Section 27-4.2.8 of the DeKalb County Zoning Ordinance and finds that it satisfies the relevant criteria for alcohol sales as an accessory use. Specifically, the location is not within 300 feet of any school, educational facility, college campus, or adult entertainment establishment, nor is it within 600 feet of any State or County-approved substance abuse treatment center, as outlined in subsection (B). Additionally, the applicant has indicated that alcohol sales and storage will occupy less than 20 percent of the gross floor area of the store, consistent with subsection (D). The use aligns with the Comprehensive Plan, which designates the area as a Commercial Redevelopment Corridor (CRC). By permitting beer and wine sales, the business can provide a more complete retail offering to patrons and contribute to the commercial revitalization goals of the corridor. The continued operation under this expanded scope supports neighborhood convenience, enhances customer service, and promotes local economic activity without undermining surrounding residential uses or community character. Staff has reviewed the proposed use in accordance with Section 4.2.8 of the DeKalb County Zoning Ordinance and finds that it satisfies all applicable criteria for a SLUP. The request poses no adverse effects on public health, safety, or welfare, nor does it conflict with historic or environmental resources. Based on the analysis of compatibility, adequacy of services and infrastructure, and alignment with long-range planning objectives, staff recommends “Approval”.
PLANNING COMMISSION VOTE: (May 6, 2025) Approval 5-1-0. Vivian Moore moved, Edward Patton seconded for approval, per Staff recommendation. Tess Snipes opposed.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL VOTE/RECOMMENDATION: (April 2025) Approval 4-0-0.