[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6526793,"mediaKeyId","3731146-f84fe556739976b812688412a49f5a45","parentId",3731146,"title","Council begins review of Woodstock’s ‘lot of record’ rules, seeks clearer standards for infill redevelopment","audioSeconds",2317,"startMs",2832000,"endMs",5149000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3731146-f84fe556739976b812688412a49f5a45&start=2832&end=5149","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3731146-f84fe556739976b812688412a49f5a45/thumbnail_2832000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6526793/Woodstock-City/Cherokee-County/Georgia/Council-begins-review-of-Woodstocks-lot-of-record-rules-seeks-clearer-standards-for-infill-redevelopment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6526793-c0038130bb038f59af0960d7113fa6f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206268&Signature=OjXBs8AnGbx8rMejYyshWcJsyKvctJQp-MMLt88ZiAld72QDAPzQR4tEA2QY2Obye1~b8UE4tQUOus4rT9aUjrI2YpFgnMr3hs0UVDmrPW5F7sQxYyZsqgntJ-XoA26gZ3P1De3Yf7G3BUpBnUnteH-YeeAQ9B9oFWVptTMHbBxVcPhTYXRYo8h9O-RGN7-ngQHO76-pk5xciD93uafYu4eNiCe7PNlIeWTBrqzWBRdos5mJbeMiXweFTrGCtNdfro65reea5AIFMfEE-shiTeuu-C~tNZ9rNtEluBQ2i1Q6UMSCn4GXVhtA3KVhabeGaVfA37DIWnixjK-hoMRgkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Woodstock GA ","date","2025-06-09T18:54:00Z","article","Woodstock Community Development staff opened a multi‑week discussion on June 9 about the city’s lot-of-record exemption and how it applies to infill redevelopment in and near downtown.

Tracey Albers of the Community Development Department said the lot-of-record ordinance (adopted in 2018 and updated in 2020) was intended to balance incentives for downtown residential development with preservation of neighborhood character. She told council the code’s administration has created unpredictability for staff and applicants and requested council policy direction.

Albers summarized how the exemption works: lots recorded before the ordinance may qualify for a “lot of record” exemption that generally allows a property owner to dedicate right-of-way rather than immediately constructing streetscape elements (parkway/landscape strip, sidewalk clear zone and parallel on‑street parking) required on D‑1 and D‑2 streets. “If you do not qualify for a lot of record, the installation of this infrastructure … is required of the developer or the homeowner,” she said. “If you do qualify, you give us the right of way, and it will eventually be on us. You do not have to install it.”

She said staff struggles most with several code provisions including the definition of new construction (which staff reads as applying to vacant lots), the “substantially similar” test for replacement structures, the replica provision that allows demolition and replacement if the new structure is substantially similar, a 30% threshold for renovations, and how lot splits are treated. Albers used several local examples — properties on Rotemill Road and Russ Street and subdivisions such as Cardinal Woods — to illustrate ambiguous outcomes where a new house might be significantly larger or more modern than the prior structure yet claim the lot-of-record exemption.

Councilmembers responded by urging simplification. Councilman Usher suggested removing the term “substantially similar,” calling it legally imprecise in this context. “I would build fences around what we want to have constructed on a lot,” he said, arguing for clearer, objective parameters instead of an ambiguous standard. Councilmember Collins said she would “lean in the direction of… if a single family lot is redeveloping, just donate the right of way,” while noting a distinction between an individual rebuilding for personal use and a developer splitting a lot into multiple sellable parcels.

Several councilmembers and staff also said parallel parking requirements create the most friction in administering the code, compared with parkway and sidewalk installation, and suggested a broader review of whether some streets should be reclassified from D‑1 to a lower standard. Mayor Michael Caldwell and other councilmembers asked staff to return with a draft revision and said they expected additional follow-up sessions; Albers said staff will provide the presentation materials and work with council to refine the ordinance language.

Why it matters: the lot-of-record rules determine whether single-family redevelopment must immediately install streetscape infrastructure or simply dedicate right-of-way for future public construction. Council direction could change redevelopment costs for homeowners and influence infill patterns in established neighborhoods and downtown.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council of Woodstock GA - City Council - Jun 09, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Community Development staff told Woodstock City Council on June 9 that the city’s lot-of-record ordinance has produced inconsistent outcomes in infill redevelopment and asked for policy guidance to make administration more predictable.","taxTitle","Woodstock City, Cherokee County, Georgia","taxId",51313,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6526797,"Woodstock council awards contract for Little River Park; staff says bids came in under estimate",177,2626000,2803000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3731146-f84fe556739976b812688412a49f5a45&start=2626&end=2803","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3731146-f84fe556739976b812688412a49f5a45/thumbnail_2626000.jpg","/articles/6526797/Woodstock-City/Cherokee-County/Georgia/Woodstock-council-awards-contract-for-Little-River-Park-staff-says-bids-came-in-under-estimate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6526797-60fdd39aec1c9614e006603158a0c83d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206268&Signature=TrLHfYo5mNkYruV423IyAbMv7hj0f~U3pMpTuVw1RF3~ZG1-bGoIbVHit4HJqWIgw56zoyFNr0rUcf9kXDEO1OlEEEi03oRMFtRfdmHzM76ZD4FMkGbfAgDbIQq-ZQB2uqILIE09zAUqeMU5cwxwuci2AH5dE-wHmJgDXYI-dne8vrMti8Z7ZEMvXdnxBi0uyYZQboX9SNOKzzWnQNb6-EXEj-pDPdUXyVFR6u28RtB~ImcCmbBFckorZwiva8mIvUieaA-u2oUw8ZsbArMyxPBG89awqY6IpOJzZSwQ204QK6ECM-K0cuhJHAzMQHFbigjcqmkQ-mxofXNJXsYLIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Woodstock city staff asked the City Council on June 9 to award a construction contract for the long‑planned Little River Park project, and council approved the recommendation.

Brian Borden, speaking for staff, told council the project received six bids and that the bid committee selected Integrated Construction and Nobility. “They met all the criteria for the project and they submitted the lowest and most responsible bid for this project,” Borden said, and staff asked council to approve the contract award to Integrated Construction and Nobility.

Another staff member noted the bids came in below the engineering cost estimate and that some scope changes during the bid process (for example the removal of a planned building and wetlands constraints) affected the final bid package. Staff said they will later request additional funds to add some items removed from the bid package, including a disc-golf course that the city intends to site after initial park construction.

One staff member told council, “We’re seriously under budget,” while cautioning that other trail projects have faced right-of-way and wetland-related cost pressures.

Council moved and seconded a motion to approve the contract award; the motion passed and council proceeded to the next agenda item.

Why it matters: awarding the contract allows city staff to move forward with Little River Park construction planning and procurement. Staff said lead times and wetlands considerations shaped what was included in the initial contract and that some park elements may be added later as separate work.

","After a bid process, staff recommended awarding the Little River Park construction contract to Integrated Construction and Nobility. Staff said the winning bid met criteria and came in under the engineering estimate; council approved the award.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6526802,"Woodstock council advances FY2026 operating budget after staff removes 12 firefighter positions",1374,1152000,2526000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3731146-f84fe556739976b812688412a49f5a45&start=1152&end=2526","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3731146-f84fe556739976b812688412a49f5a45/thumbnail_1152000.jpg","/articles/6526802/Woodstock-City/Cherokee-County/Georgia/Woodstock-council-advances-FY2026-operating-budget-after-staff-removes-12-firefighter-positions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6526802-232c6593cefaf6def33bfb5eb90ca790/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206269&Signature=ejvEFioi2Ta0X0AzY4lrIpudnLK9VYinMc9HkJEIkdrKJvpVhAxjADrcthbQiBzR5EqychVb81jZXNoy89yw2AW0wBrjrmwAluaoXFfgA6jDSzYCUgziTDR6DKLmvXROeI6DVyX65C2ZYmowlQKtPXqgPzVVrAXwn7b4trVnxOoyjee5yboqNcuJxjhWiFjdxN1vgixwbDWewSZCTZHTyLl~HKNcvteUVHyO3mx9BczPZntTzSM967Zji8fP3AH2N5BQm966GAkORiwwvUSCkl5Gd0LO68GjYV49ljNB5Vx9uzLbo~mwZQfZZWo-dE~XLS-2J8P05jeE2ouLiNqbAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Woodstock Mayor Michael Caldwell and the City Council on June 9 advanced the city’s proposed fiscal year 2026 operating budget after staff removed 12 firefighter positions that had been included in an earlier draft.

City staff member Miss Welch presented the reading for the FY2026 budget, telling council that “everything is balanced.” Welch said the general fund’s property-tax projections assume 2% new construction growth and that the water fund includes a 4% rate increase effective July 1. She told council that the 12 firefighter positions proposed in May were removed from the current draft so staff could “identify potential alternative funding opportunities.”

The change, Welch said, reduces use of reserves and is intended to be “a more fiscally responsible approach.” She also outlined other budget assumptions: a 4% increase in health insurance fund allocation, a 9% actuarial pension contribution increase, a 41% rise in property and casualty insurance costs, and continuing funding for capital projects including the parking deck debt through the city’s TAD (tax allocation district).

Welch gave a department-level overview: the proposed FY2026 citywide budget is $85,870,000, about a 5% increase over FY2025, with the general fund at roughly $31.9 million (about 37% of the total). She said general fund recurring revenues are projected up 2% overall, with taxes making up roughly 52% of general-fund revenue. Among personnel items, a 2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is included for the full year but capped at $2,000 per employee; 22 of 241 positions would be affected by that cap. The budget also continues a merit program and proposes several reclassifications and a small number of new positions staggered during the fiscal year.

Council opened the required public hearing for the budget, but no members of the public had signed up to speak. After discussion, Mayor Caldwell asked for and received a motion to approve the budget reading; the motion passed and the mayor said the council will return next week for the final hearing and vote.

Why it matters: the FY2026 budget sets tax, personnel and capital priorities for the coming year. Key changes from the May reading — notably removal of the 12 firefighter positions and the COLA cap — were singled out by staff as reasons the council will need an additional hearing before final adoption.","City staff presented the proposed FY2026 operating budget, noting a balanced general fund, a 4% water rate increase and the removal of 12 firefighter positions from the draft. Council opened and closed a public hearing and voted to advance the budget to a final reading next week.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6526786,"Votes at a glance: Woodstock Council approves consent agenda, advances budget reading, awards Little River Park contract and appoints GMA delegate",4564,1115000,5679000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3731146-f84fe556739976b812688412a49f5a45&start=1115&end=5679","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3731146-f84fe556739976b812688412a49f5a45/thumbnail_1115000.jpg","/articles/6526786/Woodstock-City/Cherokee-County/Georgia/Votes-at-a-glance-Woodstock-Council-approves-consent-agenda-advances-budget-reading-awards-Little-River-Park-contract-and-appoints-GMA-delegate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6526786-4f83265665d249d24db1b7dd5aea3f39/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206269&Signature=ht3We4zk~2mk4IpdekeY1q7LRWBbF-el1hn96c2sQno~jLvrtV2qV53EHlO9PXt86QD12qbfJF~6EjJna7~Wlgiu~bcbaXw-uXbgHyd0Fnu6dDGt~s~8cRFRyhFAsw9-OszN6vKCOTgKO2SXrWduagZgfFVod-A4irtBqcKYrrQD-Wv1lQnstBLTwlG99RCK7zTf4GsF3EiaKdqr9ZuPnaZeM6M17JuU5sPfl9UzAIHuSUTQcQr~JseeB9N08Vc8lcDdxqFl9PSgFtVmw377tiF5v9h1fZOVwkIE0IZRemJEZ-FEZhoJ~7F6mgG4tpcfNTrN5QTHfJ1lAURL7wlolQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Summary of official actions taken by the Woodstock City Council on June 9, 2025.

- Consent agenda: Council approved consent agenda items 6‑1 through 17. Motion carried 5–0 with one absence (Councilman Warren Johnson).

- FY2026 annual operating budget (reading): Council opened and closed the public hearing on the proposed FY2026 budget and voted to approve the reading. Motion carried 5–0 with one absence (Councilman Warren Johnson). Staff removed 12 firefighter positions from the version presented and will return for final adoption at a subsequent hearing.

- Little River Park contract: Council approved awarding the construction contract for the Little River Park project to Integrated Construction and Nobility after staff reported six bids and that the low bid met procurement criteria. (Vote recorded as approved during the meeting; specific vote tally not stated in transcript.)

- Minutes: Council approved the May 19 meeting minutes (motion carried 5–0 with one absence).

- GMA delegate: Council appointed Councilman Warren Johnson as the city’s voting delegate to the GMA convention; motion carried 5–0 with one absence noted earlier in the meeting.

- Executive session and added items: Council recessed into executive session to discuss litigation, real estate and personnel. After reconvening, council added two items to the agenda and voted to deny both: a motion to deny an unspecified “anti light of notice” request from Cheryl Bruce (motion carried 5–0) and a motion to deny an unspecified “anti light of notice” request from James Leverage (motion carried 5–0).

Why it matters: These actions move budget and capital project decisions forward, finalize routine administrative approvals and record council direction resulting from executive‑session follow‑ups.","At its June 9 meeting Woodstock City Council approved consent agenda items 6‑1 through 17, advanced the FY2026 budget reading, approved a contract for Little River Park, appointed a GMA voting delegate and denied two added items after executive session.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6526789,"Woodstock resident protests permit requirement for small gatherings, calls ordinance censorship",100,967000,1067000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3731146-f84fe556739976b812688412a49f5a45&start=967&end=1067","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3731146-f84fe556739976b812688412a49f5a45/thumbnail_967000.jpg","/articles/6526789/Woodstock-City/Cherokee-County/Georgia/Woodstock-resident-protests-permit-requirement-for-small-gatherings-calls-ordinance-censorship","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6526789-88aa5194c3f878494e1ee027a88de429/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206269&Signature=K2OVPYnF7AyGozKcdOEkmsxajQWQaMAccDM4tE9RJD66Tqe7RXDmJuzmzmw~mHsMQ468lF2h~jsdF8FCeAWBRSR8BOsCmo8olo7xc5HAFm8V41PdJ~3Lt3~DEzzXJE1ZP2odsQ26ED2xD-ugN~vZlnMm3SND9xjxyQ6412F2QNO0GE5JoAITx9j5eDG2YhG3FWwprO7Fuy9w78Bq7j8geuzez6YQx8lekwG7JQUdjNU2nYZcd7G6o3xaZru8usPOqDjwBB41xibnyYXnIG4O-gSYvJg9c46bDz3S94r0i8TKP1UAXKoyVWs5zSI412If8OMPq3jbYjfS8PFcFwG28w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Woodstock resident urged the City Council on June 9 to change a local ordinance that he said requires a permit — and payment for off‑duty police — for small public gatherings.

Ken Stillings spoke during the public‑comment portion as a volunteer with Indivisible Woodstock. He said the group had purchased a permit and paid for off‑duty officers for a planned demonstration and that the permit and security costs imposed a financial barrier. “When you have an ordinance where more than 3 people aren't allowed to be on a corner speaking their truth without a permit, that's not really about keeping things safe and in control, that's about ownership,” Stillings said. “We're asking that you fix the ordinance, raise the threshold of the amount of people. It's censorship.”

Stillings said the group was not trying to disrupt the city and had paid both the $150 permit fee and roughly $260 for off‑duty officers to provide safety. “We followed the rules, we paid all the permits,” he said, and invited councilmembers and others to attend the demonstration.

Council did not take formal action in response to the comment during the meeting. Mayor Michael Caldwell later acknowledged public comment procedures and noted council members had opportunity to respond during their comment period; several councilmembers later reiterated the importance of public safety measures tied to permitting.

Why it matters: public‑assembly permitting and requirements for security and costs can affect whether civic groups can hold demonstrations; council may consider whether existing thresholds and fees are appropriate.","A public commenter representing Indivisible Woodstock said a city ordinance requiring permits and off‑duty police for small gatherings restricts free expression and called on council to raise the threshold for required permits.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council begins review of Woodstock’s ‘lot of record’ rules, seeks clearer standards for infill redevelopment

Woodstock council awards contract for Little River Park; staff says bids came in under estimate

Woodstock council advances FY2026 operating budget after staff removes 12 firefighter positions

Votes at a glance: Woodstock Council approves consent agenda, advances budget reading, awards Little River Park contract and appoints GMA delegate

Woodstock resident protests permit requirement for small gatherings, calls ordinance censorship