Frequently Asked Questions

We want a zoning overlay to protect the residential areas from inappropriate development, including new subdivisions that are too dense or whose price points are too low. We would be looking to support future smart quality construction. 

Flexibility is the key. What works for commercial does not work for heavy or light industrial. We envision a fresh new ordinance policy for both areas that will encompass the input of the stakeholders in each area. The advantage of starting a new City is that the given stakeholders have an opportunity to develop the correct ordinances "up front", and have regular input into its creation and development of policies. We will establish a separate planning district and commission for the industrial and commercial areas.

This is the same path many new metro cities have already taken. To question the sound judgment approach and credibility of our fiscal feasibility study, means to also call into question the practices of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government as well as legislative standards put forward by the Georgia State Assembly. The Stonecrest Yes Committee stood by our first CVI study when it was determined initially a new city of previously proposed size and budget would not be financially feasible. We made adjustments in city size and services for the second study. Those adjustments produced a favorable result. 

The following cities used the Carl Vinson Institute for their Fiscal Feasibility Studies - in fact some on more than one occasion, depending on pass or fail. They are either already established or well on their way to being so. Feel free to review each of those studies: 

• City of Dunwoody 
• City of Brookhaven 
• City of Peachtree Corners

Franchise fees are essentially rental compensation by private utility companies (Georgia Power, phone company, gas companies, cable, etc.) for use of a City's public rights-of-way. Our CVI study estimates Stonecrest City could collect $3,842,567 in franchise fees. The huge advantage to becoming a City is that while cities can collect franchise fees, a county cannot! Many newly formed cities follow and leverage this model. It's our turn! A new City empowers our community with the opportunity to tap into this revenue stream to directly benefit citizens in the Stonecrest footprint.

View the City charter for Stonecrest (PDF).

Please see current job postings.

According to Entrepreneur Magazine here are things to consider when choosing a business location: 

• Demographics 
  Does the community have a stable economic foundation that will provide a healthy, long-lasting environment for the business? According to Restaurant Advisory Service's website, median household incomes play a vital role in deciding where to locate all restaurants, from fast food to fine dining. For casual-themed restaurants like TGI Friday's, the median household income must be at least $35,000. Fine-dining restaurants can require a median income of $60,000 or more. Consideration should also be given to who the customers are and their proximity to the location. 
• Foot and automobile traffic 
  Most retail businesses and restaurants thrive on foot traffic. It allows the retail business to visually stimulate the window shopper and restaurants to attract customers with the smell of their cuisine. A good flow of commuter and automobile traffic also helps businesses thrive. 
• Proximity to other businesses and services 
  Thriving businesses nearby can attract customers and employees who can also become your customers. For example, restaurants often attract lunch crowds from surrounding businesses. 

Stonecrest has two of the factors listed by Entrepreneur Magazine. The city's 2017 median household income is $45,156, and average household income is $59,817. The mayor, council, and staff are working to bring high-end homes into the area. This will attract buyers with higher incomes which will make our median and average household incomes more attractive to fine-dining and upscale amenities.

Taxes in Stonecrest have not increased and there are no immediate plans for a tax increase in the future. The City and DeKalb County will benefit from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax that voters passed in 2017. This will fund the City's capital improvements, roads and infrastructure as well as equipment for the police department.

There are nine parks totaling more than 2,674 acres and a senior center in Stonecrest. These include Browns Mill Park and Aquatic Center, Southeast Athletic Complex, Davidson Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, and Lou Walker Senior Center.

Yes, the police department is still in the plans. Some of the money gained from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) will be used to buy equipment for the new department. A feasibility study was recently completed by UGA's Carl Vinson Institute to determine the cost and manpower needs of a police department.  The study is being reviewed by the City's Public Safety Committee.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Postal Service authorized residents and businesses to begin replacing 'Lithonia' with 'Stonecrest' when using its mailing services. The majority of Stonecrest is in the 30038 zip code, with other parts in 30058. Councilman George Turner is working on getting a Stonecrest Post Office with a unique zip code.

City limit signs are placed by DeKalb County and the Georgia Deparment of Transportation. We are working with GDOT to better define our geographical borders which, according to our charter, split certain roads. Our staff is in the final stages of meeting GDOT's requirements.