Decatur Revives Missing Middle Housing Ordinance to Enhance Community Diversity and Affordability

Decatur Embraces the Missing Middle Housing Movement!

Decatur, GA, has recently taken important steps to address its housing needs by reintroducing what’s known as the missing middle housing ordinance. This move allows for a mix of housing options, including duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes, which had been banned in the city for decades. The ordinance was officially brought back into play on June 30, 2023, and it’s already making a splash in the local housing market!

A Look Back in Time

To understand why this change is such a big deal, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. Back in 1988, these types of homes were disallowed due to concerns over absentee ownership. Fast forward to today, and the city is ready to embrace a new chapter by encouraging a variety of housing styles that can better serve its community. “We’ve had lots of inquiries for missing middle-type housing. This has already translated to several projects reaching the permit phase,” City Planner Aileen de la Torre shared enthusiastically.

Current Status of Developments

So, what’s been happening since the ordinance was rolled out? Here’s the scoop: two duplexes have been constructed, and we’re seeing movement on a quadplex with an additional duplex in the permitting process. Among the exciting developments is a recent project that converted a single-family house into a shiny new duplex on Chevelle Lane, nestled in the Winnona Park school zone. Each unit has two cozy bedrooms and provides convenient off-street parking.

Moreover, on Third Avenue within the Oakhurst school zone, a brand-new duplex has popped up, featuring three bedrooms in each unit and again, all off-street parking. Both units are already sold, showing a positive response from homebuyers!

New Projects on the Horizon

But wait—there’s more! A new quadplex is proposed on North Decatur Road in the Clairemont school zone, offering a layout with 1.5 bedrooms per unit and a blend of on and off-street parking. The permit for this project came through in September 2023, but construction has yet to begin. Meanwhile, there’s also a new duplex project in the pipeline on Driftwood Place that promises four spacious bedrooms per unit and all off-street parking. Exciting times are ahead!

Why Missing Middle Housing Matters

Why all this focus on missing middle housing? Assistant City Manager Angela Threadgill explained that the goals center around creating an inclusive community where a diverse mix of housing options is available. With current housing prices averaging over $755,000 and rents hovering above $1,800, the need for more affordable and varied types of homes has never been clearer!

Threadgill emphasized, “When we talk about missing middle housing, we’re not strictly aiming to create affordable units; we’re about creating opportunities for diverse housing choices.” This ordinance is paving the way for a richer, more vibrant community where everyone can feel at home.

New Recommendations and Community Input

City staff has also been proactive in seeking recommendations to improve the ordinance. For instance, they’re suggesting that front doors of duplexes face the street to build a sense of community. Plus, there’s a push to ensure units are physically connected by living space rather than just garages, maintaining that charming neighborhood feel.

Some community input has expressed concern over developments that seem to clash with the traditional single-family aesthetic. Mayor Patti Garrett pointed out the dilemma of narrow lots, which sometimes lead to oversized houses being built. As the city navigates these challenges, it remains committed to listening to community sentiment.

The Road Ahead

To keep an eye on the progress, the city has limited the number of building permits until the end of 2024, allowing only three permits per Decatur lower elementary school zone. This careful approach is a response to community feedback and aims to manage growth thoughtfully.

As Decatur moves forward with the missing middle housing ordinance, it’s clear that the city is not just cramming in more houses—it’s about creating a livable, diverse community that can adapt to the needs of its residents. Here’s to a bright future where everyone can find their perfect home in Decatur!