ATLANTA ZONING DIAGNOSTIC COMMUNITY MEETINGS MAY 18 AND MAY 26, 2016 THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

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1 ATLANTA ZONING DIAGNOSTIC COMMUNITY MEETINGS MAY 18 AND MAY 26, 2016 THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

2 TONIGHT S AGENDA Introduction Background Highlight of Recommendations Detailed Recommendation Review and Comment Exercise

3 BACKGROUND The zoning ordinance is just one of several codes that regulate the built environment It regulates the use of land and buildings The current Ordinance was adopted in 1980 It has changed extensively since 1980, especially over the last 20 years

4 PROCESS RECAP Technical review of Zoning (current and past), Subdivision Ordinances, CDP, other plans, and Atlanta s built patterns Research case studies and best practices Stakeholder interviews Public meetings

5 GUIDING PRINCIPLES Meet Atlanta s current and future needs. Align regulations with the City s administrative capacity. Create regulations that are easy to understand. Incorporate best practices when they make sense for Atlanta.

6 GUIDING PRINCIPLES Avoid planning through zoning 1 st Plan (The Vision) 2 nd Code (The Tool)

7 RECOMMENDATIONS Big Ideas: Defining the structure of the new code Specific Changes: Targeted regulatory updates TIMING Quick Fixes (6 to 12 months) Future Code Changes (3-5 years)

8 recommendations BIG IDEAS

9 1. A HYBRID CODE Provides a balance of use and form regulations. Allows more design regulations in some areas, less in others. Can be more easily understood and administered than pure form-based code. 2. A UNIFIED ZONING AND SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE Consolidate Parts15 and 16 today Too closely related to remain separate Amendments will be necessary to other City Codes

10 3. A USER-FRIENDLY CODE Plain English, not legalese Graphics Tables Enhanced definitions Website enhancements

11 4. PLACE-BASED ZONING Identify patterns and develop shared standards Neighborhoods Corridors Districts Tied to updated CDP 5. FEWER DISTRICTS Remove unmapped districts Consolidate SPIs Reconsider all current districts Consider creating Legacy Districts (mapped but not available for rezoning)

12 6. STAFFING As the new code is written, consider the staffing implications of every regulation. Providing sufficient staff resources to properly administer new regulations. Investing in updated technology and application processing procedures.

13 recommendations SPECIFICS

14 OUTCOMES Improving Urban Design Protecting Neighborhood Character Creating Vibrant Corridors & Districts Expanding Transportation Options Ensuring Housing Diversity Supporting Jobs and Innovation Creating User-Friendly Regulations & Processes

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16 QUICK FIX HIGHLIGHTS Allow for closer building placement in MR & MRC districts. Allow master plan provisions for multi-lot developments, except in R-districts. FUTURE CODE CHANGE HIGHLIGHTS Regulate building design by using building typology (may or may not continue use of FAR). Establish centralized urban design standards for the entire city. Eliminate the LUI chart open space requirements; update open space requirements.

17 QUICK FIX HIGHLIGHTS Establish a limited set of neighborhood design standards for more urban neighborhoods that wish to retain a more traditional development pattern without having to create a Historic District. Make it easier to match existing neighborhood development patterns (i.e. setbacks, height) FUTURE CODE CHANGE HIGHLIGHTS Create a more streamlined, predicable approach to district tailoring. Update historic district regulations.

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19 QUICK FIX HIGHLIGHTS Establish a new I-MIX zoning district for mixed use industrial areas. Increase the MRC-2 density for residential uses. FUTURE CODE CHANGE HIGHLIGHTS Explore amending Industrial districts to prohibit non-industrial uses and ensure their use as viable industrial areas.

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21 QUICK FIX HIGHLIGHTS Update and consolidate all bicycle parking regulations. Eliminate parking requirements for buildings built before 1965, except possibly bars, restaurants, and indoor recreation. Require enhanced sidewalks & streetscapes in all non-r zoning districts. FUTURE CODE CHANGE HIGHLIGHTS Develop parking regulations at all MARTA stations consistent with TOD ATLANTA policies. Develop updated parking regulations citywide.

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23 FUTURE CODE CHANGE HIGHLIGHTS Enable Accessory Dwelling Units to be permitted in designated zoning districts. Define and legalize Missing Middle Housing.

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25 QUICK FIX HIGHLIGHTS Clean up and organize the definitions section of the Zoning Ordinance. Update cell towers regulations to more clearly reflect evolving State law. FUTURE CODE CHANGE HIGHLIGHTS Identify variances that are commonly granted consider allowing them as-of-right. Provide administrative variance authority to staff, with adequate limits. Revise legal criteria for rezonings, SUP s, CDP amendments, and variances. Re-evaluate need for SAPs when design elements apply citywide. Clearly define the types of conditions that may be placed on applications..

26 FUTURE CODE CHANGES Reorganize zoning enforcement so that interpretations are made by the Office of Planning. Consolidate the number of NPUs. Create a coordinated system in which each application is subject to one public gathering (i.e. NPU, DRC, neighborhood, etc.) and one decisional meeting (i.e. ZRB, BZA). Computerize the application process so all meetings are defined on the filing date and applications can be reviewed on-line. Eliminate special exceptions. Existing special exceptions should be either removed or reassigned as administrative variances.

27 Q + A 15 minutes

28 EXERCISE

29 EXERCISE Detailed recommendation boards are found around the room. Visit one or more boards and review the recommendations. Use comment sheets to provide feedback.