Brookhaven approves 6-month rezoning moratorium

Brookhaven landowners in need of rezoning are likely out of luck for the next six months.

The council approved a 180-day moratorium on rezoning applications last week, citing a need to evaluate how to best grow the city before proceeding with new development, the city told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday. The moratorium doesn't affect applications already on file with the city or requests for variances.

“Right now, Brookhaven has been labeled the fastest growing zip code in the Atlanta area," Mayor John Ernst said in an emailed statement. "This moratorium will allow us to chart Brookhaven's course to become the smartest growing ZIP code in the Atlanta area."

The move comes as the city is in the process of studies to evaluate the community for a forthcoming zoning code rewrite. It also follows pushback from residents about some developments that were expected to increase density.

Ernst plans to work with residents and staff in the next six months.

"We want to provide clarity and welcome developers who share our vision of a city that is a model for future urban development,” he said.