Newton Citizen

CONYERS -- Apartment complexes within the city limits will now be limited, thanks to changes to local zoning ordinances approved by the Conyers City Council.

The City Council approved changes Wednesday to the zoning ordinance for the Residential Multi-family District, including design and landscaping requirements as well as limitations to the number of units allowed per acre.

"This gets to our goal of trying to do away with, or ban, garden-style apartments in the city of Conyers," Councilman Marty Jones said. "It is legally what we can do to try to restrict apartment complexes in the city."

Jones said though the new zoning limits the number of units per acre to six, it does not limit growth for other residential options, such as lofts.

"I think we've accomplished our goal, and I appreciate all the work," Jones said.

The council also approved similar changes to the Townhouse District involving landscaping and footage requirements.

The changes include the addition of garages and architectural continuity on all four sides of the townhouse.

Rezoning of a business on Parker Road was also approved by the City Council on Wednesday.

The council approved to rezone 1261 Parker Road from Industrial-Distribution to Office-Industrial.

Parker Square Associates President Ken Bremerthon said he had been unable to rent his building for the past several years.

"At first I thought it was because times were tough," he said. "I talked to a Realtor about it, and he said that's all zoned I-D out there."

Bremerthon said he wanted to rent his building to a therapist, but would be unable to because of its current zoning.

"You're not the only one we've seen in the last couple years," Jones said. "Hopefully, we can fix it and move forward together."