Council denies variance to place second spa in same building at Alpha Medical Plaza

The Alpharetta City Council unanimously denied a conditional use and variance request that would have allowed Perfect Touch Luxe to operate spa services in Suite B at 1115 Upper Hembree Road within the Alpha Medical Plaza.

Planner Michael Woodman told the council the building already houses Far East Beauty in Suite A, which was approved previously for certain aesthetic services. The UDC defines spa services to require a 2,000‑foot minimum separation between comparable businesses; Perfect Touch Luxe sought a variance to waive that distance because the new business would be in the same building.

The applicant, Shakira Diggs, said the business would emphasize guided meditation, breath work, aromatherapy and massage therapy in an appointment‑only, intimate setting. “Our concept is focused entirely on health and wellness, something designed for everyday use, not just special events,” Diggs said. She told the council her business differs from the existing day‑spa aesthetic services in the building.

Planning staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval with five staff conditions; the applicant provided a citizen participation report with one supportive comment noted at a June meeting. During council discussion, members questioned whether approving a variance in this building would set a precedent for future distance waivers; staff noted the city has granted reductions in the past in different circumstances.

Mayor Pro Tem Merkel moved to deny C U‑25‑11/V‑25‑21; Councilman Hyatts seconded. The motion to deny passed unanimously, so the applicant’s request to waive the 2,000‑foot spacing requirement was rejected and the conditional use was not granted.