Sandy Springs Imposes Moratorium On New Rezoning Petitions

Sign up for the Sandy Springs Patch newsletter!

---

The Sandy Springs City Council at its Tuesday meeting approved imposing an 180-day moratorium on accepting new rezoning applications in all areas classified as medium density apartment, apartment limited dwelling districts, commercial, business, office or mixed-use.

The hold on rezoning requests will take place immediately.

“We have seen unprecedented growth in redevelopment requests, and while the revitalization in our commercial districts is desired, we also need to ensure that mechanisms are in place to preserve the health, public safety and quality of life for those who live within in Sandy Springs,“ said Mayor Rusty Paul. “This moratorium is needed to slow down the train; give us time to do the needed due diligence in updating our comprehensive plan and zoning and development requirements; and move the city forward along a track that fosters growth and preserves quality of life.”

The moratorium halts the acceptance of rezoning applications for areas in the city that fall under the A, AL, C-1, C-2, O-1 and MIX zoning categories. The moratorium will not impact issuance of permits for use and development of any property for use under the current zoning classification of the property, however.

The resolution directs staff to review the city’s comprehensive future land use plan and evaluate current infrastructure within Sandy Springs to determine its ability to support future development, and direct staff to determine the limits of the infrastructure to meet the needs of future development intensive use and density of property.

It also asks city staff to work with the advisory panel of individuals approved by the Council at its July 7 meeting who represent Sandy Springs neighborhood associations, non-profit organizations and business community, to gain their input and recommendations for consideration regarding changes to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning and Development Standards.

“What we do in planning for the future impacts us all, from resident to developer,” Paul added. “We want – and need – to have those voices at the table as we collectively make the needed changes.”

In June, the City Council approved a contract with Rhodeside and Harwell to assist Sandty Springs with updating the Comprehensive Plan and development of Small Area Plans for the Roswell Road Corridor, PCIDs area, Powers Ferry Landing area and MARTA station sites.

Three visioning sessions were also held in June with civic group leaders, heads of neighborhood associations and the community at large.

Over the last several years, the City Council has taken several steps to address growth management issues including three moratoriums to allow time to make significant zoning ordinance amendments to bring ordinances into alignment with the comprehensive plan; passage of 16 zoning ordinance amendments; holding a special-called Council work session to address the impact of development on the city’s natural resources; as well as adoption of amendments to strengthen the protection of natural resources.

“We have reached a point where this ‘time out’ is a necessity to ensure we get it right,” Paul concluded. “In advance, we thank the development community, the business community and our residential community for their understanding and participation as we embark on a complete review and update of our standards.”

---

Image via Shutterstock