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Norcross council moves to rewrite ADU rules, signals plan to extend moratorium
Summary
After a lengthy discussion about inconsistent rules and recent accessory-dwelling-unit (ADU) requests, Norcross council asked staff to draft new UDO language, encouraged councilors to submit written input, and signaled support for extending the moratorium on ADU applications to Dec. 1, 2025 while a subcommittee and staff craft clearer standards.
Norcross — Councilors spent the bulk of Monday’s work session discussing proposed changes to the city’s unified development ordinance for accessory dwelling units and accessory structures, directing staff to prepare clearer standards and signaling support for extending the current moratorium on new ADU applications.
Planning director Deborah told council that the UDO lacks consistent definitions and standards for ADUs and accessory structures, resulting in uneven approvals. “The current UDO does not include a definition for either customary subordinate accessory structures nor accessory dwelling units,” she said, explaining staff will draft definitions and specialized standards to reduce the need for variances.
Staff noted recent ad hoc approvals and increasing ADU requests. Deborah said two-story ADU structures typically reach “20 to 24 feet” in average height, well above the UDO’s 12-foot accessory-structure standard, and urged council direction on whether ADUs should be allowed by right or require conditional permits. She also reviewed other choices — percentage of main-house size, fixed-square-foot caps, and whether features such as breezeways should count as attachment to the principal house.
Councilors debated trade-offs between property rights and neighborhood impacts. One councilor urged a by-right ADU path with clear numerical limits so applicants would not be forced into the lengthy variance process; another said code changes should preserve neighborhood character and make variances available for unusual cases.
On procedure, a councilor proposed extending the existing moratorium on new ADU applications to Dec. 1, 2025, to give staff time to craft new ordinance language. Council members asked colleagues to forward written comments to the city manager; staff will compile those inputs and return with draft language. Council also discussed forming a small subcommittee of two council members plus staff and inviting interested community members to participate in drafting the proposed ordinance.
Next steps: staff will produce draft text amendments with options on size, height and notification practices and return to council for further direction. The moratorium extension and formal subcommittee will be finalized at the next public meeting after councilors submit their comments to the city manager.
