(Atlantic) The Atlantic City Council is scheduled to vote Wednesday on the third and final reading of a proposal that would allow stand-alone garages on qualifying vacant lots.
The proposal aims to address residents’ need for additional storage, increase taxable valuation, and make better use of vacant infill lots that generate little or no tax revenue while still requiring city maintenance.
Under current zoning, garages are considered accessory buildings and must be located on the same lot as a main building. The proposed ordinance would allow garages on qualifying vacant lots, largely based on a similar district in Watertown, South Dakota.
The Planning and Zoning Commission said the proposal could meet market demand, improve the appearance and maintenance of vacant lots, and add some property value. The commission also noted it could provide an alternative to costly neighborhood-clearing efforts or subsidized housing in areas where demand for new homes is weak.
Concerns include garages replacing potential future housing and possible nuisance issues involving outdoor storage, businesses, vehicle repair, noise, appearance, stormwater, and habitation. The proposed regulations include a maximum lot size and restrictions intended to address those concerns.
The commission acknowledged the additional tax revenue could be modest, but said generating some value from vacant property is preferable to leaving lots undeveloped while the city continues to maintain surrounding infrastructure.
The ordinance requires three readings before becoming official.
