SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Representatives of Misty Creek Community Church took feedback from the Sandy Springs City Council during a public hearing Jan. 16 on proposed improvements to the church.
The public hearing considered a conditional use permit to allow site improvements to the church in a protected neighborhood at 590 Mount Vernon Highway.
Sandy Springs Unified Development Code includes the 3.39-acre property on Mount Vernon Highway in the RE-2 zoning district, or a residential estate on more than 2 acres.
Misty Creek Community Church is located at the northwest corner of Mount Vernon Highway and Glenridge Drive.
Because places of worship are often on large lots near residential neighborhoods, they are often zoned under residential estate and are required to apply for conditional use permits for any substantial changes to their property.
The site, near the Mount Vernon Upper School and First Baptist Church of Sandy Springs, is developed with a cemetery, church and a three-story building.
The proposed site improvements include a 2,000-square-foot pavilion with a 33-foot-tall chimney; a 2,000-square-foot playground; ADA-compliant ramps; retaining walls; and a baptismal fountain.
Planning and Zoning Manager Michele McIntosh-Ross presented the recommendations from staff.
Because the site improvements are allowed in the district through a conditional use permit, planning staff worked to ensure that plans aligned with the goals of the city’s 2017 Next Ten Comprehensive Plan and 2022 5-year update.
McIntosh-Ross said the church’s proposal meets all standards for conditional use permits in the district, enhances public access and does not adversely affect surrounding neighborhoods.
City staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval of the conditional use permit with two conditions: new fencing around the church cemetery and adherence…
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