NPU/Zoning/Variance Committee

The Peachtree Battle Alliance has established a Zoning and Variance Committee to support the neighborhood in navigating variance requests. The committee is composed of board members and volunteers with architectural, zoning, and construction planning and impact expertise. Note:  The PBA NPU/Zoning/Variance Committee does not make recommendations or referrals for architects, builders, lawyers or advisors. 
 
NPU-C meets every month on the first TUESDAY. 
View meeting info & dial in directions and agenda here.
 
PBA Co-Chairs: Anna Patton & Patrick Deveau 
NPU-C Liaison: Zack Gober, NPU-C Chairperson & Zoning Representative 
Volunteer for the Zoning Committee
 
Committee Goals

The Zoning and Variance Committee aims to:
  • Facilitate collaboration between neighbors during the variance process.
  • Ensure that variances have minimal impact on the neighborhood.
  • The committee serves as a neutral sounding board with applicants and adjacent neighbors to address potential concerns, offering guidelines and assistance to ensure smooth resolution.
  • Monitor city zoning changes, initiatives, and studies and advocate on behalf of PBA to ensure the neighborhood’s interests are represented and protected.
  • Collaborate with adjacent NPU zones to mitigate the impact of commercial development within multiple NPU zones.
 
4.2.25
Headline: Proposed Development at 350 W. Wesley (Dellwood Proximate Impact) 
 
ATLZoning 2.0
 
PBA NPU/Zoning Representatives have actively participated in and provided feedback on the City of Atlanta’s ongoing ATLZoning 2.0 study (multiple modules—explore and comment via the link).
 
The Atlanta zoning 2.0 public comment opportunity will end in March 2025, and the new code will be officially adopted sometime in 2025.
 
The biggest concern seems to be a focus on increasing density across the city, including Buckhead, which may not directly affect our historic residential neighborhood within our boundaries but can still contribute to broader quality-of-life issues in adjacent areas and commercial thoroughfares. These include traffic congestion, resource strain, pollution, and more.
 
As taxpayers, we encourage all residents to stay informed and actively engaged with zoning proposals and changes. While advocating for our neighborhood remains a top priority, supporting balanced development across Atlanta is essential for fostering a vibrant and sustainable city. PBA will continue to monitor proposals and provide relevant/PBA-specific updates, but we also urge you to stay independently engaged with this critical topic. From what we understand, Atlanta zoning 2.0, most of the public comment opportunities will end in March of 2025, with formal adoption of the new code to take place sometime in 2025.
 
Variance Process within Peachtree Battle Alliance

When a variance is required by the City of Atlanta, the Zoning and Variance Committee reviews the application and plans, considering:
 
Architectural Character: Renovations should align with the neighborhood’s aesthetic.
 
Site Plan Impacts: Effects on adjacent neighbors, including tree removal, drainage, and water runoff.
 
To ensure a favorable outcome at the neighborhood planning unit (NPU) level:
 
Provide Complete Information: Applicants should share the variance application, site plan, and architectural elevations with adjacent neighbors well in advance of the NPU hearing.

Obtain Neighbor Approval: If neighbors approve, they may sign a letter of support for the applicant. Sample letter available here.

Address Concerns: The committee can mediate and propose compromises if concerns arise.
 
Additional Resources
Click here for more information on NPU-C processes, contacts, agendas, etc.
Our neighborhood is part of NPU-C.