Wednesday, May 12, 2004

Builders recommend conservation subdivision ordinance for Fulton

The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association is supporting a conservation subdivision ordinance for all of Fulton County. A conservation ordinance for the entire county was intended for approval, but late last month the Fulton County Board of Commissioners adopted a conservation subdivision ordinance for only south Fulton County.

“The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association supports conservation subdivisions for all of Fulton County to allow for options of more dense developments that would have permanently protected open space,” HBA North Fulton Chapter Vice President Dean Cowart said.

The ordinance originally was written to include all of Fulton County, but the board of commissioners received complaints from organizations that felt the ordinance undermined the one-acre minimum lot sizes required in northwest Fulton County.

“With the metro Atlanta area growing at such a phenomenal rate, housing development will have to continue to meet demands and at the same time maintain a certain quality of life while protecting our environment. Decreased lot sizes in conjunction with nearby open space are viable alternatives to current patterns of sprawl,” HBA Government Affairs Representative April Atkins added.

The just-passed conservation ordinance in south Fulton County requires that a minimum of 40 percent total acreage be permanently protected open space, and it also has provisions for the use of primary and secondary open space and conservation areas. Primary areas are either protected or sensitive environmental areas, and only 50 percent of that acreage may be counted as open space. With the exception of active recreation areas and facilities, 100 percent of secondary conservation areas may be open space. Because active recreation areas are cleared and graded, natural resources and wildlife habitats are reduced; only 50 percent of active recreation areas and facilities may be counted as open space.

“In the case of north Fulton, large lot sizes and lower density are desirable to many home owners. The perception is that the home’s value and marketability are increased, but that’s not always true. Development within open space can ensure green space and natural buffers that will enhance a home’s value,” Atkins said.

“Cluster developments in conservation subdivisions not only help ensure that metro Atlanta has sufficient housing, but they also create the opportunity to realize savings on roads, water and sewer lines and other utilities. It’s a benefit to the home owner and to the environment,” Cowart said.

The conservation subdivision ordinance will again go before the board of commissioners later this summer or early fall to reconsider adoption for all of Fulton County. A series of public meetings will be held in north Fulton to discuss the ordinance before the commissioners vote.

For more information on the south Fulton County conservation subdivision ordinance, contact the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association at 678-775-1425.