Public Hearing: YES ☒ NO ☐ Department: Planning & Sustainability
SUBJECT:
Title
COMMISSION DISTRICT(S): Commission District 01 Super District 07
Application of Urbanvue Apartments c/o Battle Law, P.C. to rezone property from O-I (Office-Institutional) zoning district to MR-2 (Medium Density Residential-2) zoning district to allow a townhome community, at 3003 Chamblee-Tucker Road; 2936 Mercer University Drive.
Body
PETITION NO: N2-2026-0139 Z-26-1247923
PROPOSED USE: A townhome community.
LOCATION: 3003 Chamblee-Tucker Road; 2936 Mercer University Dr., Chamblee, GA 30341
PARCEL NO. : 18 283 04 001; 18 266 05 014
INFO. CONTACT: Andrea Folgherait, Sr. Planner
PHONE NUMBER: 404-371-2155
PURPOSE:
Application of Urbanvue Apartments c/o Battle Law, P.C. to rezone property from O-I (Office-Institutional) zoning district to MR-2 (Medium Density Residential-2) zoning district to allow a townhome community.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
COMMUNITY COUNCIL: (Feb. 2026) Approval with a condition.
PLANNING COMMISSION: (March 3, 2026) Full-cycle deferral.
PLANNING STAFF: (March 2026) Two-Cycle Deferral.
STAFF ANALYSIS: (revised 03.16.2026) The applicant is requesting a rezone from O-I (Office-Institutional) zoning district to MR- (Medium Density Residential-2) zoning district to develop a forty-six (46) unit townhome community (8.2 units/acre). In 2023, the applicant sought a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) to redevelop an existing office building into a multi-family residential apartment building with newly constructed townhomes consisting of fifty (50) units in total. Due to market conditions, the applicant is now seeking the current proposal (attached townhomes) requiring a rezoning. The Applicant has submitted an updated site plan (Conceptual Site Plan dated 11/26/25 - enclosed) on 2/26/26 after receiving Staff feedback. While some of the concerns were addressed, particularly the hammerhead entrance to the development and the density exceeding what the site may reasonably accommodate, the overall design continues to function as a suburban-style loop development rather than an interconnected street network. The proposed loop road provides internal circulation, it does not significantly improve connectivity within the site and occupies a substantial portion of the developable area. Additionally, the central open space (“Neighborhood Park”) is primarily bordered by rear lot lines and internal drives, limiting visibility, access, and its effectiveness as an active neighborhood amenity. The resulting block configuration creates longer development runs with limited internal connections, reducing opportunities for more efficient circulation and walkability. The site constraints include a stream buffer on the west boundary line of the property, and a fifty (50) foot buffer along the eastern boundary line of the adjacent properties (R-100). A variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will be required to decrease the buffer, as shown on the site plan. The purpose of MR-2 zoning districts is to provide connectivity of streets and communities, increase the ease of movement in and around new developments, and allow appropriate transitions between existing and new developments. The proposal mostly satisfies the minimum dimensional requirements of MR-2. However, an alternative site plan design appears necessary to align the proposal with MR-2 standards, RC (Regional Center) character area, and Section 27-7.4.5 (Rezone criteria). Therefore, Staff recommends a "Two-Cycle Deferral” to the July 2026 zoning agenda.
PLANNING COMMISSION VOTE: (March 3, 2026) Full-Cycle Deferral 7-0-0. Motion was made by Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Moore for a full-cycle deferral, per Staff recommendation.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL VOTE/RECOMMENDATION: (February 2026) Approval (4-0-0) with the following condition: The Gateway shall be part of this rezoning.