Planning commission denies two‑lot rezoning on Brambleau Road amid runoff and grading concerns

The Johns Creek Planning Commission on Nov. 4 voted 2–3 to recommend denial of a rezoning and concurrent variance that would have allowed a two‑lot single‑family subdivision at 9675 Brambleau Road.

Staff presented RZ‑24‑0008 and VC‑24‑0007, describing two proposed lots with minimum lot areas of about 21,754 square feet, proposed minimum heated floor area of roughly 3,145 square feet, a planned 5‑foot sidewalk along frontage and a 25‑foot landscape strip. Staff said the two lots would collectively provide more than the required open space on private rear yards, which was the rationale for recommending approval of the concurrent variance to the common open‑space requirement, but emphasized that any land disturbance would require runoff‑reduction measures and an LDP at the development stage.

Developer John Jamont said he planned a simple split of an existing parcel to create two custom homes and asked the commission to allow a lower masonry percentage on elevations because of rising brick costs, proposing roughly 60% masonry and 40% siding on these two lots. “People don’t have that kind of money to pay, especially at the 7% interest rate right now,” Jamont said, arguing that his proposed material mix would reduce costs.

Nearby resident Elizabeth Lynch said she had observed tree removal and significant exposed dirt at the site and raised concerns about steep grades, drainage to adjacent yards, and whether the developer had already disturbed the site without a land‑disturbance permit. “There’s a lot of dirt and no trees at the property,” Lynch said. She asked the commission to note the concerns on the record.

Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant for topographic and stormwater details. Commissioner Katzen said the submittal lacked sufficient topo and stormwater information and suggested she might not be able to vote for approval without more detail. Staff confirmed there had been a complaint, a stop‑work order and stabilization work, and reiterated that rezoning is a land‑use decision while the LDP and detailed stormwater plans would be required before permits are issued.

The chair moved to approve the rezoning and variance; Commissioner Jackson seconded. The motion failed on a 2–3 vote and staff will forward the Planning Commission’s recommendation of denial to City Council.