Planning commission approves variances for MARTA operations and maintenance facility

Forest Park Planning Commission voted Sept. 18 to grant variances requested by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) to support construction of a multipurpose operations and maintenance facility at 5163 and 5265 Old Dixie Highway.

Staff described the site as two contiguous parcels totaling about 31.24 acres in the planned industrial district in Ward 4. MARTA’s proposal includes six primary buildings and two auxiliary structures. The commission approved relief to increase the number of accessory structures allowed on parcel 5265 Old Dixie Highway from the code limit of three to five, and to reduce the minimum rear-yard setback from 30 feet to 21 feet to accommodate fueling, service, and bus-wash facilities while preserving required clearances from a Georgia Power easement.

Staff said the design is intended to support bus maintenance, fueling operations and future electric-bus infrastructure and that the proposed layout isolates conflicting uses and improves circulation for large transit vehicles. Staff also noted the site abuts a 100-foot-wide Georgia Power easement, and MARTA has rights to use a 20-foot strip for utilities and roadway circulation; no building would encroach into the easement, and one existing structure currently sits about 12 feet from the property line.

The planning staff recommended approval with seven conditions, including substantial conformance to the submitted site plan; limiting the accessory-structure variance to parcel 5265 and to the five identified structures (bus wash, industrial wastewater treatment facility, fueling and servicing building, dumpster canopy, and battery electric bus charging infrastructure); the 21-foot rear-yard setback depicted on the plans; written confirmation of utility coordination (including Georgia Power) before permits; a restriction on future subdivision that would create noncompliant lots; compliance with building, stormwater and permitting rules; and formal approval of architecture, materials and landscaping by the Urban Design Review Board before any site development permit is issued.

A planning commissioner asked whether the project would bring local jobs; staff noted MARTA has participated in local job fairs to recruit for related work. The commission moved to approve the variances with the staff conditions, the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Next steps for the project include securing written confirmation of utility coordination, obtaining Urban Design Review Board approval of architectural materials and landscaping, and meeting all permitting and building-code requirements before issuance of development permits.