Commission asks planning panel to study inclusionary zoning and downtown commercial rules

The Athens-Clarke County Commission voted on June 9 to send a resolution to the planning commission to study amendments to Title 9 — specifically inclusionary zoning and commercial-downtown district regulations that could move residential density and generate revenue for the county's affordable-housing fund.

Commissioner Hamby introduced the resolution, saying the change could be used to shift allowable residential density downtown in ways that preserve total potential density while moving units to locations that better support housing goals and revenue generation. He described the approach as "moving the air from one place in the balloon to another place in the balloon" to illustrate shifting density rather than increasing overall capacity.

Commissioners raised concerns about displacement, height increases in downtown commercial districts and ensuring real affordable-housing returns when permitting additional market-rate development. Commissioner Link said she was "weary" about the long-term impacts on existing residents and said she would abstain from the vote. Commissioner Fischer and others noted that the planning commission's review will include public hearings and that the commission will retain final approval authority on any zoning changes.

The motion to refer the items to the planning commission carried; the planning commission will study potential amendments and return recommendations to the commission for further deliberation and possible ordinance changes.