Supplemental Maps: Revised Discussion Draft V1

This area was previously PZ3 and has been changed to PZ2 as an attempt to remove scattered "islands" of parking zones that split various neighborhoods (the update was also made in West End, Grant Park, and others, as shown on the map). There's no rational reason to have different parking requirements that only apply to handful of lots.

The existing NC-12 provision is somewhat poorly worded. Upon closer review and research, the previous comment still stands: for most buildings constructed before 1965, no parking is required. The exception—outlined both in your comment and in the initial response—is that establishments with an alcoholic beverage license may exempt only the first 1,200 square feet. This provision is intended to encourage genuine retail and service uses.
The proposed parking zoning map is primarily a mapping update and clean-up of existing regulations, with consideration given to proximity to existing transit, transportation corridors, and the MARTA bus system redesign. A few “islands” with differing regulations have also been removed to standardize requirements within each neighborhood.
That said, your suggestion to eliminate parking requirements entirely in this area would represent a significant policy change. Please submit it in writing to atlzoning2@atlantaga.gov. Given how recently NC-12 was adopted, I do not expect the upcoming draft to include such a substantial revision without significant input from residents, business owners, property owners, and elected officials.
For reference, Poncey-Highland currently has no required parking whatsoever because residents, businesses, and property owners came together in 2020 to successfully advocate for the removal of all parking requirements.

Thank you for your response.

While it is true that "no parking is required for the first 1,200 square feet of floor area" for buildings built before 1965, it is not accurate to state that there is *no* parking requirement.
From NC-12 Atlanta Code: "When such establishments contain more than 1,200 square feet of floor area, the following minimum off-street parking requirements shall apply: One space for each 200 square feet of floor area provided in excess of 1,200 square feet."

Many of the businesses in this area are in excess of 1,200 feet.

As a neighbor who resides in Atkins Park, I have spoken to numerous business owners who point to the parking minimums as a barrier to opening new businesses due to the increased cost. One prominent example - 772 and 774 North Highland, located at a key node at St. Charles and North Highland Avenue Both are more than 1,200 square feet and require parking.

The Site Admin is correct that the area has proximity to transit, but this does not explain why the Poncey Highland neighborhood immediately to the south has a different parking minimum, and is also adjacent to Ponce de Leon.

The commercial node has numerous vacant buildings, and parking minimums contribute to blight in an otherwise prospering area. Please visit the node in person and assess the role that parking minimums are playing in the area's development. I respectfully request that this be assessed holistically and have parking minimums be lowered or, ideally, eliminated. Thank you.

Most of this area is in the PZ3 zone, which is reduced due to proximity to transit on Ponce de Leon Ave. However, it is of note that there is already no parking requirement TODAY for most buildings built before 1965. Almost all buildings in the area fall into this category. This standard will continue to apply.