Developer seeks to lift fast-food ban on Sailors Parkway retail site

A developer proposing four to five commercial outparcels at Richard D. Sailors Parkway and Villa Springs Circle wants Powder Springs to lift a fast-food ban that, according to its application materials, dates to a 2004 rezoning.⁠[1][2]

In an October 22 letter, SW Powder Springs Sailors Pkwy, LLC describes the roughly 4.4-acre tract as undeveloped and zoned Community Retail Commercial. It seeks changes to four conditions, including one stating: “There shall be no fast-food restaurants on the entirety of the property”.⁠[2]

A separate special-use application seeks permission for an oil-change business and a tire store, each with at least 10 existing locations. The development letter describes possible retail and restaurant tenants, rather than announcing named businesses committed to the site.⁠[1][2][3]

For nearby residents, the requested changes extend beyond the tenant mix. The developer wants to replace a prohibition on Pinecrest Road access with a left-in, right-out entrance. It says that would help customers reach the Forest Hill Road traffic signal and give the adjoining neighborhood pedestrian and vehicle access to the development.⁠[2]

Along Pinecrest Road, it also seeks to narrow the required landscape strip from 35 feet to 25 feet. Instead of the specified retaining wall topped by an eight-foot privacy fence, it proposes three staggered rows of evergreens, or a combination of evergreens and preserved specimen trees selected with the city arborist. The company argues that trees would provide a better sound buffer and look better than a wooden fence.⁠[2]

The fourth change would remove a ban on parking lots behind buildings. The developer says allowing rear parking would let commercial buildings sit closer to the road, reflecting what it describes as current development standards.⁠[2]

The submitted zoning analyses contend that the proposals would not adversely affect existing infrastructure. Those are the applicant’s assessments: both analyses are signed by its authorized agent, Jason Fritz, rather than presented as city staff findings.⁠[3][4]

Both requests are on the Powder Springs Planning and Zoning Commission’s November 12 work-session agenda, scheduled for 7 p.m. at the City Hall Gallery, 4483 Pineview Drive. The records reviewed establish proposals and a scheduled work session—not an approval or a construction timetable.⁠[1][2]