Milton, GA

Creating a Destination

Why Deerfield

The Deerfield District predates the City of Milton’s establishment and has always served as Milton's most heavily commercial area. However, the District’s 1990s-era office parks have been significantly impacted by corporation's changing, post-pandemic office policies. Many of its large office building spaces have been left vacant for long periods of time: By October 2024, Deerfield had more than 550,000 square feet of vacant commercial space.

Without thoughtful action, it had become apparent that the Deerfield District faced undesirable outcomes including continued decline of vacant buildings, sprawl and uncontrolled development, lost differentiation from surrounding communities, and unrealized community requests. Additionally, with the State’s investment in Highway 9, there was a possibility of redevelopment happening without the Milton community’s input.

As demand shifts to smaller mixed-use environments where people can achieve increased balance between where they live, work, and play, the City engaged citizens in one of the most comprehensive engagement processes in the community’s history.

To date, the City’s planning and ordinances have prioritized creating new amenities in the district including public spaces and improved connectivity through intentional design and developer incentives. Plans prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and personal transportation over automobiles and include a multi-use trail system, expanded and upgraded sidewalks, parks, plazas, and new connections through properties as they are redeveloped.

For additional information, please click on the background documents shown below.

The Plan

To proactively address this need in the community, the City of Milton seeks to revitalize underleveraged assets in the Deerfield District by reviewing opportunities holistically, prioritizing the delivery of balanced growth, and preserving Milton’s character throughout the district in the coming months and years.

What's Next

After an in-depth Strategic Planning phase, Destination Deerfield is now entering the application review and implementation phases where all prospective development in the District must undergo a four-phased review, revision, and approval process with the City.

1. Zoning / Use Permit and Concurrent Variance Process
This Phase of the process requires developers to meet with City representatives, notify the public and neighboring property owners of, and apply for zoning and use approval from City Council.

2. Pre-Approval Process for Proposed Development Concept Plans and/or Preliminary Plat Process
This Phase of the process requires developers to submit a development concept for City staff review and feedback. When Rezoning or use permit are not required, Developers applications are still reviewed by staff for feedback and comments. City comment must be addressed before the Community Development Director will approve a preliminary plat. No land disturbances or building activity will be permitted without obtaining these necessary permits.

3. Design Review Board Process for Building/Architecture Plan Review and Site/Landscape Plan Review
All Deerfield District development applications must undergo a design, architecture, and landscape review in accordance with City ordinance. Review Board feedback must be addressed prior to issuance of a Certificate of Endorsement.

4. Land Disturbance Permit (LDP) and Building Permit Approval Process
With the prior certification achieved, a developer application is complete and may be submitted for Land Disturbance and Building Permit approval. City staff review applications, provide comment, and review again upon correction prior to approval and issuance of final permits.

For an in-depth understanding of the City’s role in approving applications for Deerfield Development, click HERE to see the Deerfield Urban Design Manual.