J a n u a r y 8 , 2 0 2 6 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 1 , N o . 2
Milton City Council weighs modifications to residential setbacks By HANNAH YAHNE | hannah@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — The Milton City Council was scheduled Jan. 5 to consider changes to required setbacks for certain subdivisions zoned Agricultural Residential (AG-1). At stake is how the city balances developers’ desires to build larger homes while preserving residents’ expectations of what Milton has long treasured – its pastoral charm. The text amendment under consideration would change setback requirements for qualified subdivisions zoned Agricultural Residential (AG-1) – subdivisions with lots smaller than 3 acres and internal streets that don’t allow pass-through access. Most of Milton’s land is zoned AG-1 which requires a minimum lot size of 1 acre. Current AG-1 requirements include a 60-foot front yard setback, a 50-foot setback in the rear, and 10-foot between a pool and the rear property line. After reviewing proposals Nov. 20, the Planning Commission recommended reducing the front yard setback to 45 feet, increasing the setback in the backyard to 65 feet, with a pool placed 30 feet from the rear property line and requiring a 25-foot natural buffer.
See ZONING, Page 21
HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA
The 16.6 acres up for sale by the Ivey family’s estate starts at the end of Blackberry Ridge Trail and is intended to expand Little River Estates.
St. James Community Church prepares for 2026 Unity Walk New laws address professional services, homeowner protections ► PAGE 4
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Community members are invited to participate in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service and Unity Walk hosted by St. James Community Church Jan. 19 at 9:30 a.m. This year’s theme, “Together We Can Make a Change,” calls people of all faiths and backgrounds to unite in purpose, service and hope at 3000 Webb Bridge
Road in Alpharetta. The morning will begin with a 10 a.m. worship service in the sanctuary, featuring guest speaker the Rev. Olu Brown, who founded Impact United Methodist Church and served as lead pastor until his retirement in 2022. He is currently campaigning for Georgia governor after announcing his candidacy in August.
Attendees can participate in the Unity Walk following the service. The annual walk from St. James Community Church to Brooke Street Park in downtown Alpharetta symbolizes solidarity and shared commitment to Dr. King’s vision of justice and love in action.
See UNITY, Page 21
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