The Milton Planning Commission held a broad discussion of proposed amendments to Title 17.43 design standards and guidelines focused on multifamily and mixed-use development. The package draws from the city's Uptown design guidelines and would expand standards for apartment and mixed-use buildings; staff and commissioners debated how the rules should apply and whether to phase them in by zone.

Staff said the draft pulls multifamily-specific provisions from the Uptown guidelines and would add guidance on building placement, pedestrian walkways, corner features, blank walls, screening for service areas and refuse, and materials and fenestration. Staff described the work as the beginning of a larger effort: "What I pulled out here is those sections that just specifically apply to the multifamily that are not townhouses," the planner said, noting townhouses have a different, "single-family feel."

Commissioners raised practical questions. Several favored requiring better screening for dumpsters and recycling areas; one commissioner said, "I very much like the idea, and I hope this is going to be required, is the screening techniques for, like, dumpsters and recycle things." Commissioners discussed parking placement, with some noting that placing parking behind buildings improves frontage but can create security or lighting concerns; staff said applied requirements would likely vary by zone and by project type. The group discussed pedestrian pathways and curb cuts, with one commissioner pointing out ADA minimum widths as a design constraint.

Other topics included materials and window policies (questions about prohibiting reflective glass while requiring transparent windows), screening performance (a debate over whether to require "100% sight obscuring" screening or a less strict standard), and whether the guidelines should apply only to uptown/town-center zones or extend to urban residential and neighborhood commercial areas. Commissioners also suggested building triggers into the code so remodels or substantial additions could require property upgrades (for example, improved screening or pedestrian connections) when projects come in for permits.

Staff said the amendments will be refined and returned to the commission; one staff member observed this work is substantial and likely to continue through subsequent meetings. No motion or vote was taken on the design standards; staff indicated the item will be worked on further and could return in a consolidated form when ready.