Council narrows downtown parking ratio map, raises parking requirements for areas beyond 600‑foot walk

The Alpharetta City Council on July 28 approved amendments to the Unified Development Code that alter parking requirements across portions of downtown and change school parking ratios for elementary and middle schools. Director of Planning and Development presented staff’s analysis of walk distances and parking demand. Staff said the downtown overlay’s reduced parking ratios remain appropriate within roughly a 300–600 foot walking distance of public parking but proposed that properties north of Mayfield and north of an identified street and south of Old Milton Street should meet the citywide parking requirements for new construction. Staff also recommended changing the parking standards for elementary and middle schools from the existing 1 space per classroom plus five guest spaces to a new standard of 2 spaces per classroom/administrative office with a minimum of five spaces. Staff cited existing parking counts at Manning Oaks Elementary (2.12 spaces per classroom) and Hopewell Middle (1.94) in support of the change. Director Cook said the changes would apply to new construction only; existing buildings are grandfathered. Planning Commission recommended unanimous approval; council adopted the amendments unanimously.