ATLANTA — The video used in this story is from previous coverage of this topic.
The Atlanta City Council approved legislation to remove BeltLine District parking requirements.
The council voted on Monday to allow there to be no minimum parking requirement within the BeltLine Overlay District, with the exception of the "minimum parking requirements applicable to Commercial Food Preparation, Delivery-based commercial kitchens, and Eating and Drinking Establishments, which shall be determined by the underlying zoning."
Previously, there was a minimum requirement for residential and non-residential uses, according to the ordinance.
District 4 Council member Jason Dozier said that the legislation joins two previously adopted zoning ordinances that prohibit new drive-thrus and drive-in facilities, as well as the addition of new service stations. All three ordinances aim to reduce pedestrian injuries and deaths across the city.
"By eliminating parking minimums, we are embracing a more progressive approach to urban planning by prioritizing people in our effort to meet the needs and aspirations of our residents and businesses," Dozier said. "This decision aligns with our vision of creating a more walkable, bikeable and transit-friendly Atlanta."
According to the ordinance, the mission of the BeltLine is to encourage alternate modes of transportation and in order to align with the original vision, changes needed to be made to the parking minimum requirements. The ordinance also stated that the number of people hit and killed by walking is at the highest number in 40 years as well as Georgia being one of the ten deadliest states for pedestrian deaths.
In terms of the BeltLine in particular, the legislation mentioned that 14 pedestrians were killed in crashes within the BeltLine overlay since 2015, with eight having happened in the last two years. In addition, 47 pedestrians were seriously hurt in crashes since 2015 and 25 of those happened within the last two years.
Dozier said that Monday's decision was a victory for mobility and sustainability.
"The decisive move marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to fostering vibrant, accessible communities in our beloved city," he said.