GPRA Code Refresh Presentations

Code Refresh 2.0 (information regarding the 2nd draft from the city's zoning committee)
December 9, 2025
Code Refresh (draft one): 
In reviewing the "Code Refresh" documents, GPRA’s Planning and Zoning committee would like to point out the major changes to the current zoning districts within GPRA /Laburnum Park which appear to have the most potential effect on the neighborhood.
  1. The current minimum lot sizes for all detached and attached residential districts will be eliminated (currently these range from 5,000 to 20,000 SF).
  2. The current R-1 and R-2 districts will be combined into a single RD-A district with a minimum lot width of 90-feet, with no minimum lot size.
  3. The current R-3, and R-4 districts will be combined into a single RD-B district with a minimum lot width of 50-feet, with no minimum lot size.
  4. In ALL proposed detached residential districts (RD-A, RD-B, and RD-C) up to three housing units will be permitted by right on a single lot vs. the two now permitted (a single unit + an ADU, or a duplex + an ADU). Additionally, the existing front-yard setbacks will be significantly reduced from 35-feet to 25-feet and the permitted lot coverage will be increased by as much as 50% in order to accommodate more units on each lot.
  5. The length of Chamberlayne Ave from Brooklyn Pky to Azalea Ave which is currently zoned residential multi-family (mostly R-48) will be changed to RX-4 or MX-6 (mixed use, 4 or 6 stories maximum). This includes the blocks north of Bellevue, an area currently zoned for single and attached dwellings. Additionally, the existing front-yard setbacks would be significantly reduced to as little as 5-feet.
 
NOTE:  The “upzoning” of Chamberlayne would allow commercial development as well as four or six-story buildings (depending on what finally goes through). Currently Chamberlayne Avenue in Ginter Park (Azalea to Brookland Park Boulevard) is entirely residential.