§ 16-18A.019. Bridges and tunnels.

1.

The term pedestrian bridge when used in this chapter shall be defined as a continuous, structure which spans across a public street, pedestrian way, access or service road or open space, making connection within a lot or between two adjacent lots and is intended for the passage of pedestrians only. A pedestrian bridge does not include the use of the structure for automobiles.

2.

The term transparent when used in this chapter shall be defined as the ability to transmit light so objects on the other side of the material are visible. Glass or similar materials shall be considered transparent where they have a transparency higher than 80 percent and external reflectance of less than 15 percent.

3.

Pedestrian tunnels, buildings, parking structures and privately owned vehicular bridges and tunnels are prohibited when located above or below public streets, with the exception of tunnels for service and loading purposes.

4.

Pedestrian bridges when located above a public street shall be permitted only when each of the following criteria are met:

a.

That said pedestrian bridge connects two buildings that are owned by the same owner and are operated by a common business enterprise;

b.

That the two buildings connected by said bridge have an aggregate floor area of more than 3,500,000 gross square feet;

c.

That the façades of the two buildings connected by said pedestrian bridge meet all of the requirements of section 16-18A.011 and if the façades are located along a storefront street, all of the requirements of section 16-18A.012;

d.

That the required sidewalks located adjacent to all sides of the two buildings connected by said pedestrian bridge meet all of the requirements of section 16-18A.009;

e.

That said pedestrian bridge is located at a height of 36 or more feet above the spanned public street, as measured vertically from the highest finished grade elevation of the paved surface to the lowest point of the bridge structure;

f.

That said pedestrian bridge shall have a maximum width of 15 feet for the entire length of the bridge connection between the two buildings;

g.

That at least 50 percent of the total side wall area of the pedestrian bridge for the entire length of the bridge shall consist of transparent materials allowing light to pass through from one side to another; and

h.

That all requirements of City of Atlanta Code of Ordinances section 138-25 are met.

(Ord. No. 2007-71(07-O-2221), § 1(Att. A), 11-27-07; Ord. No. 2014-40(14-O-1385), § 1, 9-24-14 )