Johns Creek council approves zoning updates, two MRPA certificates, appointments and names amphitheater

Johns Creek — The City Council handled a series of zoning and administrative items on July 13, approving a staff‑initiated home‑occupation text amendment, issuing two Metropolitan River Protection Act certificates, confirming committee appointments and selecting a name for the Newtown Park amphitheater.

Home‑occupation text amendment: Director Song said staff’s draft modernizes Section 4.12 of the zoning ordinance to reflect contemporary home‑based business trends. The council removed two previous limitations (allowing accessory‑structure use and automobile detailing) while codifying prohibitions on on‑site retail or wholesale sales and prohibiting transport of goods by truck. Council approved the ordinance on motion with no public speakers at the hearing.

MRPA certificate — 9355 River Club Parkway: Director Song presented an MRPA application for a residential porch, deck and bathroom extension. Song provided numerical results showing the proposed disturbance and impervious surface fall under MRPA maximum allowances; builder Chris Vanley spoke in support. Council approved RC‑260002 unanimously.

MRPA certificate — Embry Farm Road: The council issued MRPA certificate RC‑260001 for the 204.1‑acre Embry Farm site (189 proposed lots) after staff confirmed the proposal met MRPA calculations and ARC found consistency with the corridor plan. Toll Brothers’ Bryson Mercer said the developer has agreed to coordinate a trail route with the National Park Service and to implement BMPs. One council member voiced opposition on character and density grounds, but the certificate passed.

Appointments: Council approved the mayor’s nominations of Michael Fitzgerald and Christine Austin to the North Fulton comprehensive transportation plan committee.

Amphitheater naming: Assistant City Manager Haggard said the amphitheater at Newtown Park had not been formally named. The ACE Committee recommended three names; council voted to adopt Founders Amphitheater. The council asked staff to delay installing new signage for 60 days to pursue potential sponsorships before replacing existing signs.

Next steps: Several adopted items are administrative or code changes; site‑specific approvals, special‑use permits or future vendor/sponsorship proposals will return to staff, planning commission and council as required.