PETITION TO AMEND THE

FULTON COUNTY ZONING RESOLUTION -

ARTICLE 12D – Old National Highway Overlay District

2008Z -0022 SFC

Department of Environment and Community Development

Recommendation

DEFERRAL

UNTIL FEBRUARY 4, 2009

Community Zoning Board Recommendation

November 18, 2008

DENIAL

PROPOSED AMENDMENT

To amend Article 12D of the Fulton County Zoning Resolution: Old National Highway Overlay District.

STAFF ANALYSIS

In 2006, Fulton County installed the initial segments of the Old National Highway streetscape, which included street lights and brick pavers, at the intersection of Old National Highway and Flat Shoals Rd. The Fulton County streetscape standards were adopted as part of the Old National Highway District overlay by the Board of Commissioners in April 2008.

In September of 2008, Fulton County staff consulted with Georgia Power representatives regarding the existing street lighting standards. Based on their experience, Georgia Power provided recommendations on how the County could improve energy efficiency and minimize maintenance costs by increasing the lighting separation standards. Additionally, Georgia Power provided insight into many communities concerns regarding the visual clutter of street lights when they are not spaced far enough apart along road ways.

Based on Georgia Power’s recommendation, Fulton County staff is proposing to the increase the lighting separation standards of the Old National Highway Overlay District. Currently the separations standards require lights to be installed at 40 to 60 feet intervals. Staff is recommending an increase to 80 to 100 feet intervals.

Staff therefore is recommending the following change to Article 12, Section 5 - Streetscape Standards:

12D.5. Streetscape Standards (Added June 4, 2008)

1. A single decorative style black finished light fixture and pole shall be used along the entire length of Old National Highway and for a distance of 500 feet along the north and south sides of Flat Shoals Road where it intersects with Old National Highway. (Style as pictured below)

2. Lighting shall be installed behind the sidewalk at 40 to 60 feet 80 to 100 foot intervals.

COMMUNITY ZONING BOARD MEETING

On November 18, 2008, the Community Zoning Board heard the proposed change. Representatives of the community voiced concerns with the security issues currently on Old National and the impact that increasing the separation between lights would have. The Community Zoning Board voted not to support the change in light of the potential security issues.

In order to better address the security questions, Staff is recommending that this item be deferred until the February 4, 2009, Board of Commissioners meeting. Staff has contacted Georgia Power to assist in locating areas where the 40 to 60 and 80 to 100 foot light spacing has been implemented so that all parties might visit and gain clarity on the potential security issue. Staff will continue to provide information, as it becomes available, to the community during this deferral period.