Milton planning commission continues hearing on 20-townhome proposal at Highway 9 and 5 Acre Road

The Milton Planning Commission on April 23 continued, to May 28, a preliminary-plat public hearing for a 20-unit townhome development proposed on 3.87 acres at 2655 5 Acre Road (parcel ID 22523007590131), citing requests for more information after extensive resident comment.

Robin (Community Development staff) told commissioners the developer, EPIC Design and Build LLC, proposes 20 townhomes that the department has found to meet the Deerfield form‑based code standards for the site and the Highway 9 vision plan. Robin said the parcel is in the T4 zone, that townhomes (referred to in the code as row houses) are an allowed residential form for the four lots identified in the 5 Acre Road zone, and that the plan proposes required buffers, underground detention, and a 20‑foot landscape strip along 5 Acre Road and Highway 9.

Why it matters: the parcel adjoins the long-established 5 Acre Estates neighborhood and faces Crooked Creek and Lake Laurel subdivisions. Neighbors argued the density, access and traffic, and potential stormwater effects conflict with the character and safety of surrounding single‑family properties; staff and the applicant said the plat complies with current code and that additional technical details will be provided as part of subsequent permit reviews.

Most important details

- Site and proposal: 2655 5 Acre Road / Hwy 9, 3.87 acres; 20 townhome units proposed by EPIC Design and Build LLC; applicant representation: David Saunders, Key Engineering Solutions, 2847 N. Bogan Road, Buford.

- Density/math: The Deerfield form‑based code caps buildings at 10,000 square feet of heated area per acre. Robin explained the cap equals 38,700 sq ft for 3.87 acres; the applicant’s submission showed five units at 2,044 sq ft (total 10,220) and 15 units just under 1,900 sq ft (total 28,395), which the staff presentation characterized as “just under” the 38,700 limit. Robin also said transfer development rights (TDRs) are not allowed in this area.

- Buffers and design review: The plan shows a 50‑foot undisturbed buffer along two property lines, a 10‑foot improvement setback, and a required 20‑foot landscape strip…