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Planning Commission recommends parking‑code updates to include golf carts, low‑speed vehicles and bicycle parking
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Summary
The Peachtree City Planning Commission voted to recommend that City Council adopt amendments to Section 909 (off‑street parking) adding dimensions and standards for golf carts and motorized carts, a new 'alternative transportation' category and requirements for bicycle parking and related permitting triggers.
The Peachtree City Planning Commission voted to recommend that City Council approve a text amendment to Section 909 of the zoning code to update off‑street automobile parking requirements and add standards for alternative transportation vehicles.
Planning staff told the commission the redline draft updates vehicle parking‑space dimensions, adds aisle dimensions for golf carts and motorized carts, and introduces a new term, "alternative transportation vehicles," to include golf carts, motorized carts, low‑speed vehicles and bicycles. Staff said the draft keeps both the term "golf carts" and "motorized carts" so zoning language aligns with community usage.
"This is a incredible and tremendous step forward," the Chair said, thanking staff for tailoring standards for a golf‑cart community. Staff summarized that the draft removes a duplicate subsection, clarifies paving and material standards, and compares proposed minimums with nearby cities such as Kennesaw, Sandy Springs and Johns Creek.
Commissioners focused on definitions and implementation. Commissioner Allen asked whether the draft distinguishes a "low speed vehicle" from a "low speed motor vehicle" and requested a cross‑reference to a definitions section so residents and business owners can easily find the distinction; staff said definitions recently adopted by the public‑works department can be cross‑referenced rather than duplicated in multiple places. Commissioner Chris pressed staff on how bicycle‑parking requirements are triggered; staff said the requirements will be applied during concept‑plan review or the building‑permit process (for example, when a remodeling triggers a building permit) and that the development team will produce clearer flowcharts for applicants.
Staff also said the draft addresses bicycle‑rack types, noting some racks ("wheelbender" style) were prohibited because research found they can damage bicycles or be unaesthetic.
Commissioners praised the work and agreed the changes provide a starting framework that may be adjusted after implementation. Commissioner Chris moved to recommend approval of the text amendment as submitted; Commissioner Allen seconded. The commission approved the recommendation by voice vote. The commission did not record individual roll‑call votes; staff said the recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for its next available meeting.
The commission also discussed a numeric change in medical‑use parking from one space per 250 square feet to one per 300 square feet, which staff said reflects increased virtual medical services and comparable standards in peer cities, though staff said those peer jurisdictions did not state their reasoning.
