Milton council approves UDC text amendment removing 'festivals or events' use permit category

The Milton City Council unanimously approved a text amendment (RZ 2604, agenda item 26‑138) on May 18 to remove the “festivals or events outdoor/indoor” use permit category from the Unified Development Code (UDC), zoning manager Robin McDonald said.

Robin McDonald, the city’s zoning manager, presented the amendment and said it would bar new applications under the eliminated category while allowing existing operations to continue under lawful nonconforming status. “The proposed amendment removes the festivals or events outdoor indoor use category from the UDC,” McDonald said, and emphasized the change is intended to align uses with more appropriate permit categories rather than eliminate event activity.

McDonald said the amendment does not affect temporary special events (handled under the city’s special events permitting process), city‑sponsored events, or certain event facility permits allowed in form‑based code areas like Crabapple and Deerfield. The Planning Commission recommended approval unanimously with minor edits, including retaining the festival‑parking requirement so staff can address historical operations and potential variance requests.

Councilmember Doug Haney moved to approve agenda item 26‑138; Councilmember Brian Dolan seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The amendment will remove the use from the listed UDC tables (including sections 6.3.1B and 8.2.x) and add provisions addressing prohibition and applicability, lawful nonconforming status, expiration of approvals not acted upon, and maintenance/modifications to lawfully operating facilities.

The council did not record a roll‑call vote in the public transcript beyond noting unanimous approval. McDonald said existing operators would retain their rights; new applicants could not use the eliminated category.