ZONING
Zoning Requirements are governed by the City of Atlanta Zoning Ordinance. The requirements addressed in the Zoning Ordinance include:
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Setback Requirements
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Permitted Uses
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Density
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Height
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Off Street Parking
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Sign Permit
For a complete copy of the City of Atlanta Zoning Ordinance,
click here.
There are also additional requirements for Special Use Permits, Special Administrative Permits, Variances, Special Exceptions, and Certificate of Appropriateness. Please contact the
Bureau of Planning for information.
Special Use Permits are used in connection with land uses identified within particular zoning classifications that are of substantial significance or of unusual operational characteristics. City Council approves Special Use Permits after public notifications, hearings, and recommendations by the Zoning Review Board. The processing, review, and decision-making time for Special Use Permits are a minimum of 90 days.
Special Administrative Permits are used where complex or unusual technical determinations are involved and/or in conjunction with temporary uses and structures when the matter does not require public notifications and hearings. Special Administrative Permits are approved by the Bureau of Planning. The processing, review, and decision-making time for Special Administrative Permits are a maximum of 30 days.
Variances or Special Exceptions are used in conjunction with construction proposals where consideration of effects on the surrounding property is of principal importance, and include, but are not limited to: building additions that involve yard set-back reductions, construction of fences and walls, and reductions in required parking. Variances or Special Exceptions are decided by the Board of Zoning Adjustment after public notification and hearing. The processing time for Variances and Special Exceptions is a minimum of approximately eight (8) weeks.
Historic Preservation matters are subject to approval by the Urban Design Commission which approves Certificates of Appropriateness.
SITE DEVELOPMENT
The Site Development division of the Department of Watershed Management reviews proposed construction plans for civil engineering related issues. Site Development internally conducts standard site plan review. Primary points of focus for Site Development are:
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grading and drainage,
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storm water management,
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connections to sanitary sewer, stream bank buffers, and flood plains; and
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erosion and sediment control.
Note: Standard plan review fees apply.
Additional Site Development Information
Click here for Site Development Checklists.
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In order to preserve and minimize trees from being destroyed during development or any other land disturbance, the City of Atlanta has enacted a Tree Protection Ordinance. The Tree Protection Ordinance, administered by the Bureau of Buildings, Arborist Division, requires a fifteen (15) day posting period on sites that require tree removal. For more information on tree postings, tree removal, or arborist plan review and inspections, please visit the
Arborist Division.
Additional Arborist Information
AFFILIATED AGENCIES
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Approve compliance with Zoning regulations
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Assign street addresses
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Construction Documents / Building
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Plan Review
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Arborist Approval
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Issuance of all building permits
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Fee calculation
City of Atlanta, Bureau of Planning- 404.330.6145
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Process and review applications for rezoning, variance, special exceptions, special use permits, and site plan amendments.
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Approve Special Administrative Permits for SPI Districts and Zero Lot Line Subdivision
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Approve final site plans for PD Districts
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Conduct subdivision approvals
City of Atlanta, Bureau of Housing- 404.330.6390
- Housing Impact Fee Exemptions
City of Atlanta, Urban Design Commission- 404.330.6200
City of Atlanta, Department of Watershed Management- 404.330.6081
City of Atlanta, Department of Finance - 404.330.6430
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Process permit payments
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Approve Developmental Impact Fee Exemptions
City of Atlanta Board of Zoning Adjustment
Atlanta City Council
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS New Residential Structures/Additions
GLOSSARY OF TERMS View Printable Version
APPLICABLE CODES
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CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code, 2000 Edition with Georgia Amendments.