Isakson Living is currently trying to rezone the Tritt property next to East Cobb Park from R-20 to CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Facility). The CCRC zoning code is relatively new, approved in 2008, and this rezoning application will be the first to go before the Cobb Planning Commission.
We realize that pending zoning cases will not be affected by changes to the zoning code, but that all future zoning cases will. It is very possible that Isakson Living may withdraw their current zoning application and try again in the future. Should that happen, we would like to see the CCRC code changed to preclude the type of development that Isakson Living proposes.
We realize that pending zoning cases will not be affected by changes to the zoning code, but that all future zoning cases will. It is very possible that Isakson Living may withdraw their current zoning application and try again in the future. Should that happen, we would like to see the CCRC code changed to preclude the type of development that Isakson Living proposes.
Every year in January, the Cobb Board of Commissioners reviews existing zoning codes, and can possibly make changes. We need many people to email the commissioners, and demand that the CCRC code be changed. This needs to happen NOW, so it gets on the January agenda! It takes at least two commissioners to recommend a change, so be sure to email all the commissioners! (See the What We Can Do page for all their email addresses.)
We believe the CCRC code as currently written has several flaws, among these:
We believe the following changes need to be made to the CCRC code to address the above flaws:
1) A CCRC shall have an upper density limit (dwelling units per acre), depending on its proposed area as shown on the future land use plan. Dwelling units shall include all types of CCRC units where residents could live (independent living, assisted living, etc.).
2) For CCRCs in VLDR, NAC, MDR, P/I, and LDR areas as shown on the future land use plan, the maximum building height shall be 35 feet above grade.
3) No floodplains, wetland areas or cemeteries may be used in calculating the overall density of the development.
4) The CCRC must be within five miles of an acute medical care center, by the roads customarily travelled by emergency response vehicles.
The CCRC code as currently written is very ambiguous, and will lead to future zoning battles. The code should be amended to clarify both to developers and neighbors the types of CCRC developments that are allowed in various areas of the county.
Please write the commissioners about this important issue!
We believe the CCRC code as currently written has several flaws, among these:
- It has no upper limits on density, which can make it incompatible with surrounding properties.
- In residential areas, it allows for building heights up to four stories, which is incompatible with most residential communities.
- It appears to allow the inclusion of floodplain and wetlands area in calculating overall project density, which puts it on an uneven playing field with all other residential zonings in Cobb.
- It allows for CCRC projects to be built too far from acute emergency care (a.k.a, emergency rooms).
We believe the following changes need to be made to the CCRC code to address the above flaws:
1) A CCRC shall have an upper density limit (dwelling units per acre), depending on its proposed area as shown on the future land use plan. Dwelling units shall include all types of CCRC units where residents could live (independent living, assisted living, etc.).
- RR (Rural Residential): not allowed
- VLDR (Very Low Density Residential): 2 dwelling units per acre
- NAC (Neighborhood Activity Center), MDR (Medium Density Residential), P/I (Public/Institutional) and LDR (Low Density Residential): 5 dwelling units per acre
- CAC (Community Activity Center) and HDR (High Density Residential): 12 dwelling units per acre
- RAC (Regional Activity Center) and IND (Industrial Compatible): case by case basis
2) For CCRCs in VLDR, NAC, MDR, P/I, and LDR areas as shown on the future land use plan, the maximum building height shall be 35 feet above grade.
3) No floodplains, wetland areas or cemeteries may be used in calculating the overall density of the development.
4) The CCRC must be within five miles of an acute medical care center, by the roads customarily travelled by emergency response vehicles.
The CCRC code as currently written is very ambiguous, and will lead to future zoning battles. The code should be amended to clarify both to developers and neighbors the types of CCRC developments that are allowed in various areas of the county.
Please write the commissioners about this important issue!