A proposed Georgia Power substation and taller security fencing at the Royal 400 Data Center on North Point Parkway go before Alpharetta's Planning Commission on Thursday, Oct. 1.

The applicant wants to amend the Royal 400 Master Plan across 38.8 acres at 4905 North Point Parkway. The changes would add a Georgia Power utility substation, reduce an undisturbed buffer and allow security fencing taller than eight feet, according to the meeting agenda. The request bundles a master plan amendment, a conditional use permit and a variance to the city's Unified Development Code (UDC).

The hearing comes as metro Atlanta's data center footprint keeps growing. Atlanta had about 1,803 megawatts of data center capacity in the first half of 2026, with another 2,882 megawatts under construction. That is the highest construction total of any primary U.S. market, WSB-TV reported, citing a CBRE report.

Neighboring Milton adopted a moratorium on data center applications in June. Fulton County's Board of Commissioners passed a resolution on Aug. 5 opposing local incentives for data center construction. The resolution noted that state incentives for data centers are estimated to cost county and city governments $1.1 billion in sales tax revenue in 2026.

"This resolution is about fiscal responsibility, protecting our tax digest, and respecting our municipal partners," District 1 Commissioner Bridget Thorne said when the county approved the measure Aug. 5.

Alpharetta retains its own zoning authority. The commission's recommendation is advisory. Final approval rests with the Alpharetta City Council.

A second item on the agenda would allow a freestanding restaurant without a drive-through on 3.75 acres at Windward Parkway. That proposal seeks a variance to let outdoor seating encroach into a stream's impervious setback and an exception to eliminate parking requirements for the outdoor seating area. The city's public hearings page listed the restaurant case as deferred by the applicant as of Sept. 25, but it appears on Thursday's agenda.

A third agenda item, a rezoning at 350 Wills Lane to divide a 4.98-acre property into three single-family lots, has been deferred and will not be heard Thursday. The commission will also consider text amendments to the UDC covering definitions and parking rules for business and recreational vehicles in residential districts.

The hearing begins at 6:30 p.m. at Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza.