Earlier this year, Henry County adopted a moratorium on new requests for apartments or townhomes. That moratorium is now over after less than six months after new apartment standards passed on Tuesday night.
The new standards cover apartments and townhomes in unincorporated Henry County. They also incorporate a new code section for ’horizontal multifamily’ or ’cluster homes.’
New Apartment Standards Pass
County commissioners considered the new standards at their June 20 meeting. The standards passed by a 5-1 vote. Commissioner Anglyn was the lone vote in opposition. Prior to the vote, he asked whether the county should leave the moratorium in place until October. The county will adopt a land use plan update at this time.
Some excerpts of the new standards include the following:
- incorporate a new code section for cluster homes,
- add code for amenity and building exterior requirements for apartments and townhomes, and
- allow builders greater flexibility, to construct either townhomes or cluster homes, in certain single-family zoning districts.
Cluster Homes
Henry County now has a new code section for ’horizontal multifamily’ or ’cluster homes.’ Some attributes of cluster homes are as follows:
- minimum lot size of 4,750 square feet, or lots measuring 45’ wide by about 105’ deep,
- setback requirements: front and rear setbacks 20 feet each, side yard setback 5 feet or building separation of 10 feet, and
- minimum home size 1,200 sq ft.
Builders can construct cluster homes in the R-5, RS (residential suburban), RM (multifamily), RMH (mobile home) or MU (mixed use) zoning districts, subject to zoning conditions on a property.
Amenity Requirements
The new amenity requirements fall into two categories: townhomes and cluster home projects, and apartment complexes. Townhomes and cluster homes require amenities on a tiered approach. The tiers are based on the number of units.
For projects up to 50 units, they must provide a children’s playground, dog park(s) and pocket park(s). Projects between 51–100 units must add a cabana, fire pit and grilling area. Finally, projects with 100+ units must build a pool, fitness facility and the aforementioned items.
New apartment complexes must provide a pool, fitness facility, children’s playground and dog park(s). They must also provide a cabana or clubhouse, fire pit and grilling area.
In addition, projects must provide a 50’ buffer along exterior streets. This buffer shall be undisturbed, if existing trees are sufficient, or enhanced with landscaping. There shall also be walking trails within the development.
Building Exteriors
Next, townhome and cluster home building exteriors must meet the following:
- at least one-third of the front and rear facade shall be brick or stone. The remainder of the front facade shall be a combo of two or more of the following: brick, stone, cement fiberboard, or board & batten.
- there shall be a minimum three-foot water table on all sides, and
- adjacent dwellings shall have a difference in architectural finish and appearance.
Their minimum home size is 1,200 square feet. They must also provide a two-car garage. Builders can choose to construct either front-access or rear-access townhomes.
Apartments would have slightly different architectural requirements. Their exterior finish must be brick or stone with a maximum of 35% cement fiberboard. All apartments would also be interior access only. Exterior walk-up corridors would be prohibited.
Builders’ Flexibility
Finally, builders now have greater flexibility within the R-5 and RMH (mobile home) zoning districts. They can construct townhomes or cluster homes within the zoning districts. Such uses were not previously permitted in these districts.
A copy of the full ordinance is on the county website. They take effect immediately for any new project.
Featured image shows four-story apartment buildings. Stock photo.
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