McDonough Approved A R-50 Subdivisions and Signs Moratorium

This week, the McDonough council approved its latest moratorium. This time, on R-50 subdivisions and signs.

An existing moratorium covers apartments and hotels.

McDonough Subdivision Moratorium

The McDonough council adopted the R-50 subdivision and signs moratorium at the March 20 council meeting. It extends for four months, or until July 20. During this time, the city will not accept any applications to rezone property to the R-50 zoning district nor applications for new sign permits.

The city is presently undergoing a review of both its comprehensive plan and zoning code. The moratorium allows staff and the city’s consultant, The Collaborative Firm, to consider these updates without receiving new applications. Any application already submitted will be carried out.

Public meetings about the land use plan are coming up in April. The city has meetings on April 4 and April 27. More details to follow.

The R-50 subdivision is McDonough’s smallest single-family zoning district. Popular in the 2000s when the district allowed 5,000–5,500 square foot lots, later revisions brought this up to the current 8,000 sq ft lot minimum.

The city has one rezoning request pending now for the R-50 district. The project is proposing a new subdivision off Turner Church Road. The item postponed off the March public hearing schedule so the applicant could host a community meeting.

In addition, the moratorium applies to sign applications. The city has been considering updates to its sign ordinance since at least fall 2022. The sign ordinance pertains to all signage within the city, such as commercial signs and subdivision signs.

Featured image shows an aerial view of a subdivision. Stock photo.