[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6271017,"mediaKeyId","3029530-0f446f30ed6e5612c5930bfcb405686a","parentId",3029530,"title","Milton equestrian committee reviews large-lot incentives: accessory buildings, stormwater credits, covered arenas","audioSeconds",1337,"startMs",567000,"endMs",1904000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029530-0f446f30ed6e5612c5930bfcb405686a&start=567&end=1904","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029530-0f446f30ed6e5612c5930bfcb405686a/thumbnail_567000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6271017/Milton/Fulton-County/Georgia/Milton-equestrian-committee-reviews-large-lot-incentives-accessory-buildings-stormwater-credits-covered-arenas","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271017-810320f74f18b6618949ff290dd3d521/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136774&Signature=U6g97bYTy2CXOYcVTrKhDRAz-Tr6QcG2J1nkqdtv27FmEf6qhZh~eMtW-ZWtq-BicukrBkkC7ECTKpP~1XwESoqojN7Tb43htSkAKlfDR3HU41m0hbZkPp3LVnIxBzlArhPXJ1AZPKmD-gUxZ2ppKInL3H69e2nWyIOSGg1qPRaOs0OQhvM3n5MtGmyPoWD3aafRJCRcDKrmHeKWvwLmStBEFZ44rZObrQ6FHWZHa-~GxPGNwbe~15Oe~bv9Emyv2VgKxZ9YKzw3~jhNurkV1I0BSyhREpJ9VcTeJS1y32dqIXM6XHFYuGGdylsBGDKmYmEde8tgda5TManv983twg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-17T01:07:22.553Z","article","The Milton Equestrian Committee on April 16 discussed a range of proposals aimed at incentivizing preservation of large lots in Milton, focusing on how zoning and permitting could be adjusted to support equestrian uses while limiting impacts on neighbors.

Diana Wheeler, interim community development director, told the committee the city’s goal is to compile a thorough set of potential incentives to present to the City Council for consideration. “The purpose of this discussion is to try to come up with the very best ideas that we can collectively to incentivize the preservation of large lots,” Wheeler said.

Committee members and residents weighed several staff ideas. Staff suggested establishing a distinct local farm-use category to recognize Milton’s small-scale equestrian properties rather than grouping them with large commercial agricultural operations elsewhere in the state. Wheeler said the alternative designation would be intended to distinguish Milton properties from “large production agricultural industry” and to allow tailored local incentives.

The committee spent substantial time on accessory structures. Staff proposed making certain accessory buildings easier to site on larger properties — for example, allowing run-in sheds, utility-type sheds and barns in front yards where necessary for farm operations, and simplifying administrative approvals for pools and guest structures on lots of three acres or more. Wheeler said the change would reduce the need for lengthy variance or Board of Zoning Appeals processes for larger lots.

Committee members also discussed whether to permit guesthouses in front yards for large properties. Staff floated thresholds such as three acres for some relaxed siting and suggested higher thresholds (for example 10 acres) might be needed to allow more intrusive uses without a public hearing. Members cautioned that a front-yard guesthouse may not be practical on properties that are only three acres in size.

Covered and lighted riding arenas were a separate focus. Under current code, covered riding areas and lighted riding areas each require a use permit for five-acre properties; a covered-and-lighted arena requires a use permit and a minimum of 10 acres. The committee discussed whether the use-permit requirement could be removed for certain acreage thresholds and replaced with design standards (for example recessed, cutoff lighting and a 100-foot setback). Wheeler noted the city could add conditions such as shielded lighting to limit spillover.

Stormwater and pervious/impervious-surface questions arose in connection with arena footing and grading. Committee members asked whether outdoor arenas with sand or compacted footing would be considered impervious; staff answered that treatment depends on construction and that covered structures produce distinct impervious-surface concerns. Wheeler said stormwater credits and special design considerations could be considered as part of an incentive package for larger properties.

Several residents who spoke during public comment emphasized the working nature of local farms and urged caution about new categories. Laura Bentley, a Milton resident who farms in the city, asked the committee not to rebrand working properties in a way that could jeopardize state or county tax programs: “I’m not sure that people that have farms call it a hobby,” she said, adding that Milton has numerous working farms whose owners depend on existing agricultural exemptions.

Committee members agreed on some practical fixes — for example, clarifying that run-in sheds used for transient animal shelter differ from permanent stalls and should be treated differently — while rejecting more complex or confusing new classifications. Several members said they opposed creating an elaborate new “hobby farm” tier that would add complexity for owners.

What’s next: staff will refine these concepts, add clearer definitions and recommended acreage thresholds, and present a consolidated report for Council consideration.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Milton Equestrian Committee (MEC) Meeting 04.16.2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Milton Equestrian Committee on April 16 discussed staff proposals to preserve large lots through zoning incentives, including a distinct local farm category, relaxed rules for some accessory structures on larger properties, stormwater credits and changes to permitting for covered riding arenas.","taxTitle","Milton, Fulton County, Georgia","taxId",51825,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6271009,"Milton Equestrian Committee finalizes Meet the Neighbors plans; sets preferred CPR/AED date pending trainer",870,2808000,3678000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029530-0f446f30ed6e5612c5930bfcb405686a&start=2808&end=3678","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029530-0f446f30ed6e5612c5930bfcb405686a/thumbnail_2808000.jpg","/articles/6271009/Milton/Fulton-County/Georgia/Milton-Equestrian-Committee-finalizes-Meet-the-Neighbors-plans-sets-preferred-CPRAED-date-pending-trainer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271009-3d3805fbe3d24cd45293ccb41d1b70b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136774&Signature=epeumZF17ozkOCAZ4htRK-i70xOyPfDxl4zUcAVwsYY22UskrBBEt6q6YeSHZZYG7KfW8xpUQ99K3l3WDS0xYR~Lv~ve2FAXIXNX3wY7TnwMWTYGmC0GfNDf4UilB0QfOn-H85o9AdwqVu0gx8Q1ZJZ026mHo1FdJgOTRQvXF8sw635UfnXHqh93NkrQPk0k4R7iFb9aBLUBRnaQgi8cOqz58Ms0elgvS7zCKAwD1DQMlzZG4tEeeP~Cpab3pXUG5t7p2i7HoMZ7YTMW7Z55509w7ZnyXZlu6G36RvtLFIhSgFlZvO-RuqY2vATp16eRQPOsFEugbGq9C03BhvM9~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Committee members continued planning for the committee’s annual Meet the Neighbors event and related safety trainings during the April 16 meeting.

Members said the community event will run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Saturday in May (May 10) with vendors, live music and demonstrations. Volunteers are needed for two-person shifts from 10 a.m. to noon and noon to 2 p.m., plus setup and breakdown crews; committee members agreed to publish a SignUpGenius for shift sign-ups. Organizers discussed vendor layout options (a semicircle with vendors parking behind booths), and several equestrian organizations and vendors (including Barefoot Ranch and pony rides) were confirmed.

Logistics discussed included a borrowed 9,000-watt generator to power the band and the need for volunteers to move heavy equipment. Committee members also discussed promotional materials, a Milton Equestrian Committee welcome bag, display props (a large plastic horse cutout used in past years) and demonstrations such as farrier work, grooming demos and pony rides.

On safety programming, the committee discussed offering CPR/AED training and barn-fire safety. Members proposed combining topics on an education day; the group selected a preferred weeknight date of June 4 for a CPR/AED session at a Milton facility (Bathwell/Bethwell community center discussed) pending trainer Steve Corey’s availability. A committee member said the community center and other Milton facilities are available at no charge for Milton programs and could accommodate equipment and mannequins for hands-on practice.

Members also discussed school- and youth-friendly scheduling, RSVPs for catered safety demonstrations, and recording sessions for later posting by City media staff.

What’s next: organizers will publish the volunteer sign-up, confirm generator logistics and follow up with the trainer to finalize the June CPR/AED session date and venue.","The committee confirmed logistics for the May Meet the Neighbors event — vendor layout, volunteer shifts and equipment needs — and identified a preferred date (June 4, pending trainer availability) for a CPR/AED training and related safety programming.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6271013,"Milton equestrian committee says short-term rentals not a good fit as a large-lot incentive",925,1846000,2771000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029530-0f446f30ed6e5612c5930bfcb405686a&start=1846&end=2771","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029530-0f446f30ed6e5612c5930bfcb405686a/thumbnail_1846000.jpg","/articles/6271013/Milton/Fulton-County/Georgia/Milton-equestrian-committee-says-short-term-rentals-not-a-good-fit-as-a-large-lot-incentive","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271013-45c724b93e144b05dfa4f7e90a77012d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136774&Signature=LkeMQ3YxMMlowqU2qlhIGndXvQTSu4Lk2oIxdtLBsoWzZpb9YoRCjxInzSbc9FYgjrBrapP~A9MioTjNnGkD9Y3kTBslreBYqmqAADDXhm2BNW2bK3s4Yz43VDQeRCz6yRmROqmUYC7DGW6CTmyWfp-TQgbZyc7GyqTQRZ-cOMUd-ebWKug3EQVXkcT~9xePf~Gwp3uP6E7g-k7cH2SGBXxedzZlq4F9f8lXYG3eismUy9b2VCqVkw7oNqeBWaISkeAcLSQMa8OdjN5cJiiq-0N15euUtoOe-CRhpeBJuBcyZi39a0Sic4Uyvp3fIP9fiQ8ZARTQBtu8AAH7druApg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Milton Equestrian Committee on April 16 considered whether short-term rentals should be offered as a large-lot preservation incentive and heard staff recommendations for a tightly regulated approach.

Diana Wheeler, interim community development director, told the committee that short-term rentals are currently prohibited by city code but unregulated listings appear on commercial platforms. “There are currently five rental properties listed in Milton,” Wheeler said, adding that four of those listings identify themselves as being in nearby Alpharetta to attract guests. Wheeler told the committee most of the listings are owner-occupied guest units or barns rather than standalone rental homes.

Staff outlined recommended regulatory controls that would apply if the city chose to allow rentals as an incentive for properties of three acres or more. Proposed requirements included an application and annual registration, a business license, a requirement that the property owner reside on the parcel, a maximum of six vehicles visible from the roadway, no parking in rights-of-way or front setbacks, a limit of two guests per bedroom (12 guests total), a requirement for local contact persons and revocation for properties generating repeat complaints.

Committee members and public commenters raised enforcement and character concerns. Mary Kronk, a Milton resident, said the possibility of frequent guest turnover could make large lots less desirable for buyers: “This may be a large lot disincentive,” she said. Several committee members questioned how the city would verify owner residency and how code enforcement would manage a detailed regulatory regime when staff currently have not cited the five known unpermitted listings in the absence of complaints.

Discussion also touched on the distinction between short-term rentals and permitted uses already in the code, such as bed and breakfasts and country inns (which require use permits and owner occupancy and are limited in size). Wheeler noted that bed-and-breakfast operations and country inns remain allowed with use permits and that the proposed short-term-rental standards were intentionally strict to address neighbor concerns.

By the end of the discussion, committee members expressed broad opposition to using short-term rentals as an incentive for preserving large lots, with several saying the use would not fit Milton’s rural character. The committee elected to skip the new-business item A formal consideration of short-term rentals, effectively declining to pursue them as an incentive at this time.

","Staff reported five unregulated short-term rental listings in Milton and proposed strict registration requirements if the city were to allow them. Committee members and residents expressed concern that allowing rentals would harm rural character; the committee declined to pursue short-term rentals as a large-lot incentive.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Milton equestrian committee reviews large-lot incentives: accessory buildings, stormwater credits, covered arenas

Milton Equestrian Committee finalizes Meet the Neighbors plans; sets preferred CPR/AED date pending trainer

Milton equestrian committee says short-term rentals not a good fit as a large-lot incentive