Atlanta updates zoning ordinance with public feedback and new accessibility standards

The Atlanta City Council's Zoning Committee convened on May 28, 2025, to discuss significant updates on the ongoing zoning ordinance rewrite, a project that has been in the works for nearly a decade. The meeting highlighted the progress made and the community engagement efforts that have shaped the new regulations, which aim to better align with the city's comprehensive plan.

Caleb Rosicot, project manager from the consulting firm TSW, presented an overview of the zoning rewrite process, emphasizing the collaborative approach taken with stakeholders and the public. The committee has released drafts of various modules, including use standards and development procedures, inviting public feedback to refine the proposals. Notably, the drafts have garnered substantial interest, with approximately 35,000 views and 780 comments submitted, indicating a high level of community engagement.

One of the key objectives of the zoning rewrite is to enhance accessibility and clarity for residents. The new ordinance is designed to be user-friendly, featuring diagrams and explanatory text to ensure that it is understandable without requiring legal expertise. This approach aims to reflect the unique character of Atlanta's neighborhoods while providing tools for both preservation and development in areas designated for change.

The committee also addressed the handling of existing zoning conditions, assuring that all conditions adopted since February 2000 will be carried forward into the new ordinance. This continuity is crucial for maintaining established agreements between neighborhoods and developers.

In addition to these updates, the zoning rewrite seeks to standardize regulations across neighborhoods, ensuring that all areas receive equal protections against problematic uses, such as data centers and drive-throughs. The committee is also working to consolidate the number of zoning districts, which currently stands at nearly 270, to streamline the regulatory framework without compromising the intent of the zoning code.

As the city moves forward, the next steps will involve further public engagement and the finalization of the zoning ordinance. The committee's efforts reflect a commitment to creating a zoning framework that not only meets the needs of Atlanta's diverse communities but also supports sustainable growth and development in the years to come.