The Atlanta Department of City Planning will start the public process for its multi-year zoning Ordinance rewrite, ATL Zoning 2.0, on November 3, 2021. The virtual meetings, or “Idea Labs,” will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about zoning concepts that could shape and replace the existing ordinance, which has been in place for four decades.
Each week, the Idea Labs will focus on different urban topics. The first meeting will provide some context on the zoning ordinance update process, along with a citywide analysis of physical attributes and a discussion of the Atlanta neighborhoods. During the November 16th meeting, participants will examine how zoning can affect natural resources, transportation, and access to daily needs. Subsequent labs will review how zoning can be tailored to meet the unique needs of Atlanta’s 25 neighborhoods, along with examining how the City can be more environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.
Zoning is the legislative process for dividing land into zones for different uses. Zoning Ordinances are the laws that regulate the use of land and structures built upon it. Zoning laws are created for the simple purpose of protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of the people as it relates to land use. Zoning ordinances will specify how areas can be developed or redeveloped. They regulate lot sizes, placement, density, setbacks, and the height of structures. Understanding Atlanta’s zoning ordinances are essential for all individuals or businesses looking to sell, purchase, build, or conduct business on any parcels of land within the City.
The Idea Lab meetings are scheduled through mid-December. Time will be reserved during each session so that virtual attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide input on ideas that should be explored during the ordinance rewrite process.
According to the ATL Zoning 2.0 website, public participation and input are critical to the success of the new zoning ordinance and zoning district map. Aside from the public meetings required for the official adoption of the code and maps, thirteen rounds of public meetings and workshops are proposed to assist “residents, businesses and property owners to explore, draft, test and refine” a new ordinance. Aside from the Idea Labs, other participation opportunities will be accommodated at festival booths, pop-up exercises, and surveys. The City anticipates that the ordinance revisions can assume five years to complete. A dedicated website has been created to provide updates and opportunities to participate in the zoning ordinance and map revisions.
