Milton Imposes Moratorium on Land Disturbance Permits

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Milton leaders on Monday voted to pass an emergency moratorium on land disturbance permits across the city.

The City Council voted 6-0 to impose the moratorium ”to hold the status quo while they consider a conservation subdivision ordinance,” the city said in a press release.

The council chose to bar the acceptance of applications for land disturbance permits on properties in agricultural and residential districts, including AG-1, R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3, R-3A, R-4A and T-2.

Citizens wanting to learn about Milton’s conservation subdivision ordinance plans should attend the Community Zoning Information Meeting, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 25 at Milton City Hall.

“By enacting this moratorium we thoroughly evaluate the possibility of requiring conservation subdivision design in Milton,” said Kathy Field, Milton’s community development director. “We hope to encourage better development patterns and facilitate the preservation of green space.”

See also:

• Fulton Agrees to Sell Providence Park to Milton
• Milton Zoning Cases Include 77 Townhomes on 10 Acres
• Milton To Consider Rezoning Moratorium in Highway 9 Vision Area
• Lockwood: Expect “Great Things” From Milton in 2015
• Milton Residents Invited to Proposed Conservation Subdivision Meeting

Mayor Joe Lockwood said the moratorium is a short-term tool used to maintain our current state while staff and officials evaluate possible modifications to Milton’s code.

“The important thing to realize in all this is that we, as a city council, remain committed to preserving and enhancing our rural character,” Lockwood added. “Our vision of being a distinctive community that embraces small town life and heritage remains strong”

The conservation subdivision, which sets aside an amount of land for conservation, is one of many options among Milton’s growing list of conservation and lifestyle initiatives.

These include a conservation plan and smart growth strategies like form-based coding, transfer of development rights and community-based master planning.

Residents can learn more about rezoning cases currently in the regulatory process by visiting the city’s website.

Image via Shutterstock