Commission approves White Oak Dental landscape plan, conditions 60% native species minimum

The Peachtree City Planning Commission on May 11, 2026 approved the landscape plan for White Oak Dental at 500 Stevens Entry, subject to a condition that at least 60% of proposed plantings be native species and with a recommendation to use native alternatives where practical.

Staff told the commission the project adds a new dental office on an existing parcel (LUC-25), with 5,015 square feet of new impervious area and existing parking retained. The plan proposes 18 canopy caliper inches (6 canopy trees) and 12 understory caliper inches (6 understory trees), exceeding the landscape ordinance minimums of 15 canopy inches and 10 understory inches. Staff also pointed out an approximately 13,400 square foot Tree Save area that will remain untouched. The plant schedule portion the planner reviewed indicated about 58% of the species listed on that side of the schedule are native.

Commissioners asked whether proposed shrubs would sufficiently screen ground-level mechanical (AC) units; staff replied screening is required and that the proposed shrubs appear to meet the requirement. Commissioner Hamner moved to approve the landscape plan with a condition that a minimum of 60% of plantings be native and with a recommendation to prefer native substitutions for the remainder; Commissioner Allen seconded and the commission approved the motion by voice vote.

The commission requested specificity on substitutions so staff and applicants can achieve the native percentage target. The approval is a recommendation and condition attached to the landscape plan review; specific planting lists and any substitutions will be verified during permit review.