Public Hearing: YES ☒ NO ☐ Department: Planning & Sustainability
SUBJECT:
Title
COMMISSION DISTRICT(S): Commission District 04 Super District 06
Application of QuikTrip Corporation for a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) to allow an accessory alcohol outlet in the C-1 (Local Commercial) zoning district, at 4733, 4773 and 4775 Memorial Drive.
Body
PETITION NO: N10-2026-0489 SLUP-26-1248043
PROPOSED USE: Accessory alcohol outlet.
LOCATION: 4733, 4773 and 4775 Memorial Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30032
PARCEL NO. : 18 012 13 033, 18 012 13 015, 18 012 13 001
INFO. CONTACT: Andrea Folgherait, Sr. Planner
PHONE NUMBER: 404-371-2155
PURPOSE:
Application of QuikTrip Corporation for a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) to allow an accessory alcohol outlet in the C-1 (Local Commercial) zoning district.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
COMMUNITY COUNCIL: (April 2026) Denial.
PLANNING COMMISSION: (May 5, 2026) Pending.
PLANNING STAFF: (May 2026) Approval with Conditions.
STAFF ANALYSIS: The applicant requests a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) to allow an accessory alcohol outlet in the C-1 (Local Commercial) zoning district. Fuel pumps and convenience stores (including beer and wine sales) currently exist on the site pursuant to SLUP-20-1244236 (alcohol outlet) and SLUP-20- 1244237 (fuel pumps) approved in 2020. The applicant now proposes to expand the site by constructing a 120- foot automated tunnel “Bubble Bath” car wash. The original SLUP approvals included a condition prohibiting car wash facilities on site (Condition 9). As SLUP conditions cannot be modified, the applicant has submitted new companion applications, including SLUP-26-1248044 (fuel pumps) and SLUP-26-1248018 (car wash), to accommodate the proposed expansion. Given that the site is already developed and operating, the request represents an incremental expansion rather than new development. However, the property’s location within the TC (Town Center) Character Area and along the Memorial Drive Corridor SAP (Small Area Plan) presents an opportunity to better align the site with adopted policy objectives. The Memorial Drive Corridor SAP emphasizes Corridor revitalization through vibrant business activity and the creation of a distinct sense of place. While the proposed car wash is not inherently inconsistent with the existing commercial use, the current site design remains largely auto oriented and does not fully advance these broader planning goals. Accordingly, Staff recommends design enhancements to improve the site’s functionality and visual character, including expanded covered outdoor seating, incorporation of a small green space, and integration of placemaking elements-such as signage or public art-that reflect the identity of the Memorial Drive Corridor. With these considerations addressed through amended conditions, the proposal represents a reinvestment in an existing commercial site. Therefore, staff recommends “Approval with proposed conditions (1-5) and existing conditions from SLUP-20-1244236 (6-10) to remain”.
PLANNING COMMISSION VOTE: (May 5, 2026) Pending.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL VOTE/RECOMMENDATION: (April 2026) Denial 5-1-3.