Alpharetta Council defers curb and gutter removal request on Charlotte Drive development

The Alpharetta City Council convened on April 28, 2025, to discuss a significant request from a developer regarding a residential project on Charlotte Drive. The primary agenda item focused on the applicant's request to remove a condition requiring curb and gutter installation along the property’s frontage, aiming to preserve the rural character of the area.

Director Kathy Cook presented the case, explaining that the developer sought to eliminate the curb and gutter requirement established during a previous rezoning approval in October 2024. The rationale behind this request was to maintain the aesthetic consistency with existing developments on Charlotte Drive, which have historically been approved without such infrastructure. Cook noted that previous developments in the area, dating back to 2011, also omitted curb and gutter to uphold the rural look, which residents have expressed a desire to maintain.

The council learned that property owners within a 500-foot radius were notified of the proposal. While one resident supported the removal, another raised concerns about potential drainage issues and the safety of pedestrians without curb and gutter. Public Works officials indicated that while they supported the aesthetic reasoning, they recommended a condition requiring the developer to address drainage runoff typically managed by curb and gutter systems.

In response to council inquiries, Cook confirmed that the area does not have a history of flooding and that any drainage concerns would be addressed during the land disturbance permit process. The developer's representatives emphasized that the stormwater management plan would ensure that water runoff would not worsen and would comply with existing regulations.

Public comments were mixed. Supporters of the removal highlighted the importance of preserving the rural character, while opponents expressed concerns about pedestrian safety and stormwater management. One resident noted that the absence of curb and gutter could exacerbate existing drainage problems in the area.

After extensive discussion, Councilman Will proposed a motion to defer the decision, allowing time for the applicant to provide a more detailed drainage plan and for the council to seek clarity on maintenance responsibilities related to the proposed changes. The motion was seconded and ultimately passed with a vote of 5-1.

The council's decision to defer reflects a commitment to ensuring that any development aligns with community standards and adequately addresses potential environmental impacts. The next steps will involve further discussions and evaluations before a final decision is made on the developer's request.