A northwest Atlanta neighborhood has secured new parking restrictions after residents spent years unable to access their own driveways due to crowds visiting a short-term rental property, with one homeowner reporting a coroner struggled to reach her home during a family emergency.

Emergency Vehicles Blocked During Crisis

Lynn Hamilton, who lives across from the rental property on Larchmont Circle, described the weekend traffic as relentless. Hamilton, who has a handicapped child, regularly waits in her vehicle for several minutes until partygoers move their cars so she can exit her driveway. The parking situation created a devastating obstacle when Hamilton’s aunt passed away at her home. The coroner had to park at the end of the street because vehicles lined up for a party across the street blocked access to Hamilton’s residence.

“The coroner had to park at the end of the street to get up to my house to pronounce her,” Hamilton explained. “That’s not fair. They were having a party across the street from me. She said these cars had to be moved, so they could come up and get my aunt’s body.” Hamilton erected no parking signs on her property, but visitors routinely ignore them. One sign was crumpled during a Labor Day weekend party when someone parked directly over it.

Historic District Takes Action

Dr. Juanita Morton, president of the Collier Heights National Historic District, worked with city officials to address what she describes as an illegal operation. The property at 643 Larchmont Circle sits in a zone designated exclusively for single-family residential use. “We cannot have party houses,” Morton stated. “This is an illegal party house.” The historic district partnered with Atlanta officials to develop solutions for the ongoing disturbances, which include loud parties and physical altercations that have plagued the neighborhood for years.

City Council Approves Parking Ban

The Atlanta City Council passed a resolution in late August prohibiting parking on Larchmont Circle. Councilwoman Andrea Boone, who represents the area, introduced the legislation and coordinated with the Atlanta Department of Transportation and Atlanta Police Department on implementation and enforcement. “Residents of Larchmont Circle are understandably upset about this property,” Boone said. The resolution requires signs to be installed within 30 days, after which police can issue citations for violations. Hamilton hopes enforcement begins before the holiday season, which she identifies as the busiest period for the rental property. Morton believes the restrictions will provide meaningful relief for neighbors who have watched vehicles arrive every weekend.