Local brief
Planners back Ellsworth housing variances, citing a 20-foot drop
The 8.54-acre proposal seeks a 59-foot transitional height plane and elimination of a required 20-foot transitional yard. The zoning board is scheduled to hear it Nov. 5.
A steep slope and a stream are central to Atlanta planners’ case for approving two variances for a proposed multifamily development in Blandtown. In a report dated Nov. 5, staff says the terrain and irregularly shaped lots constrain where construction can go.[1]
The height-plane and yard requests we reported earlier remain unchanged: increase the required transitional height plane from 35 to 59 feet and reduce the required transitional yard from 20 feet to zero. Case V-26-073 covers 1425 and 1475 Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard NW.[1][2]
The report explains why staff supports that relief. It identifies a 20-foot grade change along the southern portion of the site, largely attributed to an active stream. Planners expect only minimal effects on surrounding properties, arguing that adjacent land containing the stream provides a large buffer from the Northwest Beltline corridor and nearby residences.[1]
Together, the parcels cover 8.54 acres. Staff describes a commercial building with offices and a restaurant on the western parcel, while the eastern parcel is vacant, with vegetation and mature trees. The report does not specify how many homes are proposed.[1]
The Board of Zoning Adjustment deferred the case at its July 9 hearing to a November hearing, according to the city’s result letter. It is now on the Nov. 5 agenda for a meeting beginning at noon in the second-floor Council Chambers. Staff’s recommendation is not board approval of the variances.[1][2][3]
Sources
3 official sources cited in this report. The bracketed numbers in the text link here.
Reporting history
Newest first. Articles reflect what was known at publication.