21-O-0454 / Z-21-73 (MR-MU Proactive Rezoning)

For Review & Comment: 

  • An ordinance by Councilmember Amir Farokhi to rezone certain properties within one half mile walking distance of high-capacity transit stations (MARTA) from various low-density residential zoning codes (R4, R4A, & R5) to multifamily residential multi use (MR-MU) to promote a variety of housing options and increase affordability near transit and for other purposes.

  • The goal is to remove regulatory barriers that suppress the market’s ability to provide affordable housing options at a small neighborhood scale.

  • The proactive rezoning is accompanied by a text amendment to change the requirements for MR-MU, allowing for 1-12 units on these properties - see Z-21-74 / 21-O-0456.

  • MR-MU housing types, also referred to as “missing middle” housing, have historically existed within our older neighborhoods. These duplexes, quads, 12-plexes, and other small apartment & condo buildings historically have integrated well into the scale of our neighborhoods, often adjacent to single-family residential homes. Changes in our zoning policy during the 20th century made it illegal to build more of these small scale multifamily buildings within our neighborhoods. As a result, new residential units are primarily either single-family homes or large multifamily buildings (50+ units). This zoning change would allow for more “missing middle” housing with the intent to increase “gentle density” near transit while integrating well into the existing character of residential neighborhoods.

  • The MR-MU zoning classification was created in 2018, however, no properties were proactively rezoned as MR-MU at that time. Each property had to individually apply for rezoning to utilize this category which can be a lengthy and cumbersome process. This proposed proactive rezoning is intended to unlock this zoning classification by allowing for increased “gentle density” in areas with the greatest walkability to transit stations in an effort to align the city’s growth with the transit we have and promote affordable housing in areas that don’t require car ownership.

  • The proposed ordinance does not directly impact Poncey-Highland as we do not fall within one half mile walking distance to a MARTA rail station, and the Poncey-Highland Historic District removed our previous underlying zoning categories, thus we no longer have R4, R4A, or R5 properties. Although we are not directly impacted by these proposed changes, we are indirectly impacted by policies related to density, affordability, and growth in Atlanta. As a result, Poncey-Highland will have the ability to provide comment and eventually vote on these measures at upcoming NPU-N meetings.

PHNA