Milton's Design Review Board is set to tackle a variety of variance requests, including plans for a new Fire Station 45, during its meeting last night at City Hall. Open to the public for viewing, the proceedings can be streamed online in case anyone can't make it in person. On the table are a number of requests ranging from reducing yard requirements to allowing accessory structures in unconventional locations.
The first item of interest is a review of the new Fire Station 45 plans, to be built on the southeast corner of the Birmingham Highway/Providence Road roundabout. According to the city's announcement, the station will cover an 11,000-square foot area and feature two bays and access to two connector roads. The DRB, made up of seven appointed members, will evaluate whether this and subsequent proposals measure up to the city's aesthetic and practical standards.
Subsequent requests involve a property at 13355 Arnold Mill Road seeking variances for existing accessory structures, including a deck and animal housing barns with reduced yard distances. The relaxed requirements would see a cut down from the standard 25-foot side yard to just 12.4 feet and a drop from the 100-foot minimum distance for barns to as little as 21.7 feet.
Another homeowner at 2455 Bethany Bend is looking to gain approval to significantly cut back yard requirements for an existing garage and barn. In one case, a detached garage structure seeks to reduce the 50-foot minimum rear yard to a mere 42.3 feet, and an animal housing barn is hoping to shrink the standard 100 and 150-foot clearances down to 0.1 and 80.8 feet respectively. The final case on the DRB docket is a bid to increase lot coverage limits for a home addition on 13268 Bethany Road, pushing the allowed percentage from 20 to 24.53 percent.
Wrapping up the session will be "Final Reviews," including a proposal for a security gate at the Milton Public Safety Complex and an update to the building plan for 123 Total Fitness. The latter is eyeing enhancements like a new staircase, exterior door, and lighting complete with a metal canopy at 12874 Highway 9 North, proving that the agenda is as varied as the needs of the Milton community.
