Zoning

Current Legislative Initiatives

• Affordable Workforce Housing Ordinance (Z-06-144)

Recent Legislative Initiatives

• Updated Zoning Overlay for Buckhead Village (Z-07-73) - This initiative provides an updated text for the SPI-9 zoning district, improves existing regulations, and expands the district's boundaries to include new areas.  It was passed by Atlanta City Council on September 17, 2007 and signed into law by the mayor on September 24.
• The Residential Scale Ordinance (Z-07-44) was passed by Atlanta City Council on August 20, 2007 and signed into law by the mayor on August 23.  For more information, read our explanatory presentation.
• New Downtown Zoning (SPI-1) (Z-07-38) was passed by Atlanta City Council on September 4, 2007 and signed into law by the mayor on September 12.

Applications and Forms - Information about the rezoning and variance processes as well as checklists and all the appropriate paperwork can be found here.

Zoning Ordinance Online - To read the regulations for a particular district, choose from this list: [temporarily unavailable due to problems with the Municode website]

Zoning Maps Online - Download PDF versions of the official zoning maps.

• The City of Atlanta is divided into zones or districts that regulate the physical development of the land and limit the uses to which a property may be put.  These zoning districts also regulate the height, overall size, and placement of buildings on a lot, the density at which buildings may be constructed, and the number of parking spaces that must accompany each new building.

How do I find out what a property is zoned?

• Consult the official online zoning maps.
• Fill out an online zoning verification request form.
• Contact the Zoning Division of the Bureau of Buildings:
  • Call 404-330-6175 and leave a message that includes the address of the property in question.
  • Download and print a zoning verification form and fax it to 404-331-8902 or mail it to the following address:
    Atlanta Bureau of Buildings
    attn: Zoning Enforcement
    55 Trinity Avenue SW, Suite 3900
    Atlanta, GA 30303

How do I find out the regulations in a specific zoning district?

• The Atlanta Code of Ordinances is maintained online by Municode, a third party company that electronically publishes municipal codes.  You can browse the entire ordinance online -- just scroll down to Part 16 (Zoning) on the left or use the search box in the upper left corner.  To read the regulations for a particular zoning district, choose from the list at the top of this page.
• A copy of the Atlanta Zoning Ordinance can also be purchased from the Bureau of Planning for $60.
• Zoning District Description Table - These brief descriptions of each zoning district are intended to give a general idea of the intent of each district.  For specific questions, please refer to the regulations for each district in the zoning ordinance.
• Residential Zoning District Regulations - This table summarizes the basic requirements for R zoning districts and provides diagrams to illustrate setbacks and minimum lot sizes.

Who is responsible for administering the zoning ordinance?

• Zoning Review Board (ZRB) - This body consists of nine members, appointed by the Mayor and City Council, who meet twice a month to consider property rezonings and special use permits.  The Zoning Review Board takes into consideration the recommendations of the relevant neighborhood planning unit and the Bureau of Planning staff and makes recommendations on rezonings to the Zoning Committee of City Council.
  
• Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) - This body consists of five appointed members who meet twice a month to consider applications for variances and special exceptions from the zoning ordinance.  The Board of Zoning Adjustment takes into consideration the recommendations of the relevant neighborhood planning unit and the Bureau of Planning staff.
  
• Bureau of Buildings Zoning Division - This office is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the zoning ordinance.  The Zoning Division checks all building permits for compliance with the zoning ordinance, conducts research to verify the zoning classification for a given property, and responds to permit related zoning complaints.  It is also responsible for approving sign permits, business licenses, and liquor licenses.