Candler Park

Neighborhood Organization

Proposed MR-MU Rezoning near MARTA

This post has been updated to include changes to the schedule.

Candler Park and neighborhoods across the City will be considering some major Zoning changes in the next 2 months (schedule below). The items for review and voting with linked documents are:

  1. Z-21-73 – Rezone properties to MR-MU within ½ mile of MARTA Stations, see MAP – MR-MU = Multi-Residential Multi-Unit – see below for details.
  2. Z-21-74 – Changes to MR-MU code (Ordinance 21-O-0456) – in conjunction with the rezoning above, this ordinance amends the current MR-MU code to provide incentive for building affordable units within MR-MU, allow multiple structures, and eliminate parking minimums within 1/2 mile of MARTA.
  3. Land Use Amendment 21-O-0455/CDP-21-043 – in conjunction with Z-21-73, summary and full CDP-21-043

AUGUST – Review and Comment

  • 8/4, 7pm – CPNO Zoning Committee
  • 8/16, 7pm – CPNO Membership Meeting
  • 8/26, 7pm – NPU-N Meeting

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER – Vote

  • 9/8, 10/6, 7pm – CPNO Zoning Committee
  • 9/20, 10/18, 7pm – CPNO Membership Meeting
  • 9/23, 10/21, 7pm – NPU-N Meeting

Map of properties affected in Candler Park:

Councilman Amir Farohki introduced these Ordinances in July and appeared at the CPNO Membership meeting on July 19, 2021 to explain the proposals and answer questions. The purpose and reasons for the proposals, according to Councilman Farohki, are explained in the Council District 2 July 12 newsletter:

Zoning for the Future
New Legislation to Promote Density, Affordable Housing, and Smart, Sustainable Growth

Whether we are able to manage our city’s population growth will be determined by how we find more housing for more people. …If passed, the papers would accomplish the following:

1. Remove residential parking requirements for developments within 1/2 mile of MARTA stations – this lowers the cost of building (and thus, housing prices) and can help reduce car-dependency in transit-connected areas.

2. Allow for attached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in buildings not zoned as R1, R2, and R3 – this would affect about 82% of residential lots in the City (but only 35% of the land area) and allow development of apartments in basements and garages, for example.

3. Re-zone areas within 1/2 mile of MARTA stations as MR-MU (2-4+ units permitted)  – this would allow development of buildings with 2-4 units (and up to 12 if there are two affordable units) close to transit where density and affordability are natural fits. This is a light touch that will lead to a subtle increase in density and affordability but provides a critical, missing piece of our housing ecosystem.

Other cities such as Portland, Minneapolis, and others have recently passed similar legislation. It is important, however, to note, that none passed without thorough review by the public, consideration of comments and ultimately numerous amendments. Mr. Farokhi expressed at the CPNO Meeting in August that this legislation in Atlanta too will no doubt be subject to numerous amendments before a final document goes to a vote. Feel free to email comments directly to Mr. Farohki’s office and participate in the process at the neighborhood/NPU level as we will be submitting comments in August.

Some local articles on this topic from the past month or two such as those appearing on the Saporta Report, may be of interest.