Public Hearing: YES ☒ NO ☐ Department: Planning & Sustainability
SUBJECT:
Title
COMMISSION DISTRICT(S): Commission District 03 Super District 07
Application of Cameron Grogan c/o BF Austin, LLC to rezone properties from R-75 (Residential Medium Lot-75) zoning district to RSM (Small Lot Residential Mix) zoning district to allow for the development of a new, 62-unit, single-family attached development, at 1491, 1531 and 1555 Austin Drive.
Body
PETITION NO: N8-2024-1109 Z-24-1247190
PROPOSED USE: Single-family attached townhomes.
LOCATION: 1491, 1531, and 1555 Austin Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30032
PARCEL NO. : 15 197 02 011, 15 197 02 010, 15 197 02 033
INFO. CONTACT: John Reid, Sr. Planner
PHONE NUMBER: 404-371-2155
PURPOSE:
Application of Cameron Grogan c/o BF Austin, LLC to rezone properties from R-75 (Residential Medium Lot-75) zoning district to RSM (Small Lot Residential Mix) zoning district to allow for the development of a new, 62-unit, single-family attached development.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
COMMUNITY COUNCIL: (October 2024) Full cycle deferral.
PLANNING COMMISSION: (November 7, 2024) Two-cycle deferral.
PLANNING STAFF: Two-Cycle Deferral.
STAFF ANALYSIS: The proposed RSM zoning district and townhomes appear to be an appropriate land use and zoning transition from the commercial self-storage and condominiums to the east (across Austin Drive) within the OD, C-1, and MR-2 districts to the single-family detached and institutional (Towers High School) uses to the west within the R-75 district. The intent of the RSM district is to “provide for the creation of residential neighborhoods that allow a mix of single-family attached and detached housing options” (Sec. 2.12.1. RSM Statement of purpose and intent). While the proposed density of 7.8 units per acre is consistent with the maximum densities allowed by the SUB character area, it appears that a lower and more compatible density with the adjacent single-family neighborhoods may be more appropriate. Additionally, a planned mixture of land uses including single-family detached, single-family cottages, townhomes, and open space may be more consistent with the intent of the RSM district and the SUB character area to protect adjacent and nearby single-family residential neighborhoods. Furthermore, the applicant may want to consider a transition in building height from the three-story townhomes proposed along the frontage of Austin Drive to 1.5 to 2- story single-family cottages or open space along the rear property line to provide compatibility with the single-family residential (R-75) uses to the west. Additionally, in consideration of a project redesign, the applicant should clarify if the proposed units will be fee-simple or a condominium form of ownership, if there will be any proposed rental units, and provide clarity as to whether the project complies with the sidewalk, street tree, road width requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. The applicant has requested a deferral to the January 2025 agenda cycle to allow for site plan revisions and additional neighborhood discussions (see attached). However, Staff is recommending a “Two-cycle deferral to the March 2025 zoning agenda” to allow the applicant ample time to consider redesigning the project to provide more appropriate compatibility with the surrounding area.
PLANNING COMMISSION VOTE: (November 7, 2024) Two-cycle deferral 6-0-0. Vivian Moore moved, Jan Costello seconded for a two-cycle deferral to the March 2025 zoning agenda.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL VOTE/RECOMMENDATION: (October 2024) Full Cycle Deferral 6-1-0 to allow for the District 3 Commissioner to take their place on the Board of Commissioners after the Nov. election.