Public Hearing: YES ☒ NO ☐ Department: Planning & Sustainability
SUBJECT:
Title
COMMISSION DISTRICT(S): Commission District 03 Super District 06
Application of Tori Engineering c/o Amber Lee to rezone property from R-75 (Residential Medium Lot-75) zoning district to R-60 (Residential Small Lot-60) zoning district to allow twelve (12) single-family homes, at 2697 Kelly Lake Road.
Body
PETITION NO: N8-2026-0452 Z-26-1248021
PROPOSED USE: Single-family homes development.
LOCATION: 2697 Kelly Lake Road, Decatur, Georgia 30032
PARCEL NO. : 15 137 02 004
INFO. CONTACT: Andrea Folgherait, Sr. Planner
PHONE NUMBER: 404-371-2155
PURPOSE:
Application of Tori Engineering c/o Amber Lee to rezone property from R-75 (Residential Medium Lot-75) zoning district to R-60 (Residential Small Lot-60) zoning district to allow twelve (12) single-family homes.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
COMMUNITY COUNCIL: (April 2026) Approval with Conditions.
PLANNING COMMISSION: (May 5, 2026) Pending.
PLANNING STAFF: (May 2026) Approval with Conditions.
STAFF ANALYSIS: The applicant requests to rezone the subject property from R-75 (Residential Medium Lot-75) to R-60 (Residential Small Lot-60) to develop up to twelve (12) single-family detached homes in a cul-de-sac subdivision. The proposal is generally consistent with the intent of the R-60 zoning district and the Suburban (SUB) Character Area. The development pattern reflects surrounding residential subdivisions and introduces a modest increase in density that provides an appropriate transition between adjacent zoning districts. At approximately three (3) units per acre, the proposal remains well within the SUB Character Area’s guidance of up to eight (8) units per acre. The subject site is a vacant parcel located between the NC (Neighborhood Center), CRC (Commercial Redevelopment Corridor), and SUB Character Areas. SUB policies in the DeKalb 2050 Unified Plan encourage well-designed, small-scale infill that expands housing choice while maintaining neighborhood character (pg. 14). Although the proposed subdivision meets these baseline objectives, additional attention to site design would better leverage its location and strengthen the relationship between residential development and nearby activity centers. Specifically, units located in lot 1 and lot 12 should face Kelly Lake Road to activate the street and remain consistent with development patterns along Kelly Lake Road. The proposed development meets the dimensional requirements of the R-60 zoning district in accordance with Section 2.2.1. However, while the applicant acknowledges the applicability of Section 5.4.3 (Streetscape elements and dimensions), the submitted site plan (“C4-0,” dated January 26, 2026) does not clearly demonstrate compliance. Specifically, the plan does not depict required streetscape components, including a sidewalk along Kelly Lake Road, a landscape strip along the frontage, and street trees along Kelly Lake Road and within the frontage of each proposed single-family lot. Other interdepartmental comments (enclosed) should be considered, particularly the following: - Transportation Division (Labeled as “Zoning Comments”) - Land Development Division - DeKalb county Public Schools (development expected to increase school capacity by five children) While the proposal is compatible with the surrounding development pattern and represents a low-intensity residential use, the site’s proximity to the NC and CRC along Candler Road warrants a more deliberate design. The plan should improve connectivity and streetscape engagement by reorienting Units 1 and 12 toward Kelly Lake Road, strengthening pedestrian connections, and incorporating stormwater features as functional site amenity. The proposal is consistent with the intent of the SUB Character Area and compatible with surrounding development. Therefore, pursuant to Sec. 27-7.3.5 (A-H), staff recommends "Approval with the attached conditions".
PLANNING COMMISSION VOTE: (May 5, 2026) Pending.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL VOTE/RECOMMENDATION: (April 2026) Approval (6-2-0) with the following conditions: 1) Applicant shall have further engagement with the community; 2) Where necessary, incorporate French drains and retention walls into the project.