By Cathy Muth
NORCROSS, Ga. | The City of Norcross is reviewing changes to zoning ordinances for residentially zoned lots.
Here is a quick and dirty education on residential zoning:
- R100 – this is a single family home property whose frontage is a minimum of 100 feet;
- R75 – the same as above, but with just 75 feet frontage; and
- R60 – I think you know where this is going…
Suffice it to say, a majority of lots in Norcross are residential.
While it may seem inconsequential to most, here are a few examples of how the proposed changes could affect you:
One of the recommended changes affects building height for Accessory Dwelling Units (an ADU is typically a detached building with climate control, a garage apartment, for instance).
This would allow your direct neighbor to build a two-story (24’ feet or more!) garage/apartment structure in their backyard *without your consent* (The current code restricts Accessory Structure heights to 12 feet or one story, and provides unquestioned approval for permit). This means you could have a nice view of the backside of your neighbor’s second home right off your back deck.
Currently, if your neighbor wants a variance (or an approval that is outside of regulations) to allow for a roofline higher than 14 feet, they require all adjacent properties to provide consent. If consent is not given, and the owner still wants to have their variance, then the issue goes to the Zoning Board of Appeals where the owner would try their case among a Board of their peers. Under the current recommended amendments, the request for neighbor consent and the need for a variance would be done away with.
Another provision being offered is an increase in setback requirements; a setback being the amount of space from the property line to the edge of a structure.
Current code allows a five foot setback for all Accessory Structures. If the current changes are approved, the new setback will change to a slightly more generous 10 feet.
While this may sound acceptable, think about this: What if your neighbor suddenly wanted to build a 1,300 square foot ADU and it would sit just 10 feet off your property line? This doesn’t sound enticing to me.
If you consult the County’s Unified Development Code (UDO), the county bases ADU setbacks on building size. In fact, anything over 650 square feet isn’t even allowed per the county without a Special Use Permit. They offer a graded system based on building size, suggesting a building which is up to 650 square feet requires a 20 foot setback.
For anyone whose concern is around their neighbors building an ADU specifically for use as an AirBnB will be happy to hear that the City is considering restricting ADUs to only long-term rentals and permanent residences (for your mother-in-law or grown children).
Many of us have beautifully wooded backyard views, thanks to the designation as a Tree City USA. Properties are already densely clustered in many areas of town. Do we really want to allow for more buildings to block our view? This is something we need to ask ourselves, and something we should be asking those in charge of making these changes.
Think about what drew you to Norcross in the first place. Consider how just a few years from now, these changes could alter the charm that makes Norcross what it is.
I invite you to contact the City Planning and Development Department, Zoning Board members, or reach out to your City Councilmen.
- Have a comment? Click here to send an email.
