DECATUR – The DeKalb Board of Commissioners, under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Vernon Jones, approved a new Tucker Overlay District, which paves the way for the revitalization of the entire Tucker area.

The DeKalb Office of Economic Development and the DeKalb Panning and Development Department joined the Main Street Tucker Alliance, the Tucker Business Association and Tucker Civic Association in developing the Tucker Overlay District. 

“The residents of Tucker have worked long and hard with the County to develop these changes,” said CEO Jones.  “I applaud these stakeholders for their initiative and look forward to helping other communities plan their vision for future growth.”

The overlay district was the final step in implementing the result of a Community Choices award by the Atlanta Regional Commission to DeKalb County.  The boundary of the Overlay was identified by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) in 2005 and adopted by DeKalb County in July 2007.

The new Tucker Overlay District amends the DeKalb County Code of Ordinances governing zoning in the Downtown Tucker Area.  The overlay district protects the area from encroachment of incompatible uses and structures, and ensures compatibility of the heights of structures within Downtown Tucker and nearby residential areas with general redevelopment which occurs around new mixed use developments.  This, in turn, will create a positive real estate investment climate, stimulating economic development and job creation. 

The Tucker Overlay District is based upon the urban design and development guidelines included in the Downtown Tucker LCI Plan, which incorporates higher density development in the Downtown Tucker Area while providing a mix of commercial, office, recreation, and housing options.  This includes designing and arranging structures, buildings, streets, and open spaces to create an inviting, walkable, environment.