As a result of numerous planning studies and initiatives, the City Council amended the Zoning Resolution in 2008, creating a new zoning district known as the Redevelopment Area Overlay District, or RAOD. The map of this district is shown through the below link. The RAOD has a multi-faceted purpose:
1) To encourage the revitalization of underused commercial and residential areas into pedestrian-oriented developments that provide a complementary mix of uses, induding a variety of residential options, within convenient walking distance.
2} To encourage efficient land use and redevelopment plans forming a live-work-play environment that offers employees and residents the opportunity to fulfill their daily activities with minimal use of single-occupant automobiles.
3) To allow and encourage development densities and land use intensities that will allow for making productive use of alternative transportation modes such as bus transit, rail transit, ridesharing, bicycling, and walking.
4) To encourage formation of a well designed, pedestrian-friendly activity center with high-density commercial and residential development that increases choices for safe living environments for the citizens of The City of Norcross.
5) To allow flexibility in development standards in order to encourage the design of innovative development projects that set high standards for landscaping, green space, urban design, and public amenities.
6} To promote a distinct, unified theme that will reinforce the branding process and improve the market attractiveness of the area for investments by the private and public sectors.
7) To provide for the appropriate incentives to encourage reinvestment and renewal necessary to realize the potential of Norcross's Buford Highway/Jimmy Carter Boulevard character area, consistent with the City of Norcross Comprehensive Plan.
8) To provide for connectivity of streets and sidewalks for improved vehicular and pedestrian circulation and reduce the dependence on automobile uses by increasing the ease of movement and opportunities for alternative modes of travel.
9) To encourage design measures that improves public safety and security.
Property Owners, Developers, and Business Owners in the RAOD are encouraged to consult with city staff when they are contemplating changes to their leases, businesses, or facilities, as this ordinance applies to a number of development application processes, from building permits to business license applications.
The following link will provide the design standards for this overlay district:
Redevelopment Area Overlay District Design Guidelines -General Guidelines
Redevelopment Area Overlay District Design Guidelines -District Specific Guidelines
Redevelopment Area Overlay District Design Guidelines -Maps