Zoning Changes May Be Coming to Atlanta

The Atlanta zoning review board recently passed an ordinance that would allow accessory dwelling units in more residential zones and construction of new apartment buildings of four to 12 units, which used to be legal but currently are not permitted. The proposed updates also include elimination of some minimum parking requirements.

Tim Keane, Atlanta’s planning commissioner, says the city’s population is going to increase in coming years and revised zoning regulations are needed. Residents advocating for ADUs say they need more housing choices, including the option to live near family members and in backyard units.

Critics, however, argue that neighborhoods will face a host of issues with the density that these changes will bring. "[NPU-D chair Jim Martin] said he expects that if ADUs were legal, yet more tenants would be packed in. The potential problems, he said, include crime, noise trash and demand for more parking spaces," reports Maggie Lee.

The city council will review the zoning changes next, and the city is also seeking proposals for a zoning ordinance rewrite and update.