Resident urges larger rear setbacks; Milton council approves consent and zoning first‑presentation items and honors outgoing councilmember

Milton, Ga. — At its Dec. 15 meeting the Milton City Council heard a public comment urging broader rear setbacks and larger tree preservation areas for AG‑1 residential lots, approved a slate of consent items and first‑presentation zoning amendments, and recognized outgoing Councilmember Andrea Verhoeff and the state‑champion Milton Eagles eighth grade football team.

Tom Gauver, a Milton resident who identified his address as 14700 Taylor Valley Way, told the council the city’s Unified Development Code (UDC) rear setback standards are no longer adequate for modern home sizes, denser lot configurations and larger septic systems. He urged the council to support proposed amendments that would increase rear setbacks and create larger undisturbed tree protection zones. Gauver pointed to recent variances and requests as examples: Crescent Ridge (May 2025 variances that reduced setbacks from 50 to 35 feet), Riverbend (a 2020 request cited moving from 60 to 25 feet), and Crabapple District reductions that lowered front setbacks to 15 feet in some cases. “It’s time for the city of Milton to bring current UDC standards up to match the realities that the city now faces,” he said.

Following public comment, the council approved the consent agenda, which included meeting minutes, financial statements, waste hauler approvals for 2026, a Georgia Department of Natural Resources project agreement amendment for Milton City Park and Preserve, construction and professional services contracts, and several subdivision plats. Councilor Berhoff moved to approve the consent agenda and Councilor Cookerly seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

The council also approved first‑presentation items related to zoning and signage: RZ2508 (text amendment addressing building placement and setbacks in the AG‑1 district), RZ2509 (sign standards for the Arnold Mill Road Hamlet overlay), RZ2510 (an Arnold Mill overlay amendment that staff recommended deferring), and RZ2511 (new provisions for accessory food trucks in limited situations). Councilor Haney moved to approve the first presentations as read; Councilor Cranmer seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Peyton Jamieson and council members presented a proclamation honoring Councilmember Andrea Verhoeff for four years of service; Verhoeff offered brief remarks of thanks and said she will continue community involvement through volunteer organizations and real‑estate work. The council also presented a proclamation celebrating the Milton Eagles eighth grade football team’s state championship, noting the team’s 10‑0 season and average scoring statistics reported in the proclamation.

The council recessed to an executive session to discuss personnel, land acquisition, and litigation and later reconvened and adjourned.