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Council approves Dogwood Square parking reduction and gated private street to support senior-housing rehab
Summary
Council approved a parking special exception to reduce spaces from 90 to 86 and granted a variance to gate a private portion of Janice Lane to prevent nonresident parking; the applicant will undertake interior and exterior renovations for low-income senior housing and provide easement for future AlphaLoop connection.
On June 23 the Alpharetta City Council unanimously approved a parking special exception and a variance allowing a private gated entrance for Dogwood Square, a five-story, 100-unit multifamily building at 555 Janice Lane that serves low-income seniors and residents with disabilities.
Planning staff described the request as a reduction in onsite parking from 90 spaces to 86 to accommodate ADA, emergency-accessibility and outdoor amenity improvements connected to a proposed rehabilitation. Staff said a prior 1985 parking variance reduced required parking from 100 to 90 spaces; the current request seeks a further four-space reduction. The request also asked for a variance to gate the private portion of Janice Lane, which staff and applicants said is part of Dogwood Square’s property and where nonresident parking from the adjacent Maxwell development has created conflicts and potential blockages for emergency vehicles.
Applicant representatives said the property is being acquired by a nonprofit from another nonprofit and described planned interior renovations (reconfigured offices, larger community room, fitness center, full interior unit renovations) and exterior improvements (pressure washing and brick resealing, raised garden beds, outdoor pavilions). The applicant also agreed to aesthetic upgrades along Janice Lane, replacement of an existing chain-link fence with decorative metal fencing and landscaping, and to provide a 10-foot public access easement for a future AlphaLoop connection through a stream buffer area.
Council members queried whether the gated location would allow deliveries and emergency access; staff said gate designs and conditions would include emergency-entry access for fire and other responders and that the private portion of Janice Lane is the property owner’s responsibility for towing. Staff noted the applicant will paint curbs, post no-parking signage, and implement other measures requested in conditions. Planning Commission had recommended approval subject to seven staff conditions. Mayor Pro Tem Markle moved to approve the request and the motion passed unanimously.
