Design Review Board approves 401 South Main monument sign and a revised planting plan

The City of Alpharetta Design Review Board on Feb. 21 approved a double-sided monument sign and a revised landscaping plan for the 401 South Main professional building, as presented by the building’s homeowners association.

Dr. Krishnan Donaparthy, identifying himself as president of the HOA at 401 South Main Street, told the board that Georgia Department of Transportation work removed the site’s previous sign and left temporary, unstable markings in place. “With the DOT doing construction in that area, we've been without a sign since 02/06/2020,” Donaparthy said, saying the absence had created difficulty for new patients and visitors.

The board approved a motion to allow staff to finalize the sign’s background color and separately approved a black-and-white planting plan dated Aug. 12, 2024. Both motions passed unanimously.

Board members discussed placement visibility, a nearby utility pole and the proximity of existing street lighting; the applicant clarified that existing overhead services in the area include a street-light pole and a power pole, and that some trees were previously removed to make way for the new design. Dr. Donaparthy said the HOA intends to install irrigation and phased electrical work for the sign, and to complete landscaping by the end of the coming summer.

Votes at a glance: Motion to allow staff to finalize sign background color — passed 7–0. Motion to approve the black-and-white planting plan dated 08/12/2024 — passed 7–0.

The board also asked the applicant to confirm the final placement of the monument within the sidewalk/right-of-way limits and to coordinate required adjustments with staff before installation.