RE-ZONING/SAP INFORMATION:
Download NPU-Y Zoning Process Infographic
Land Use and Zoning
Land use and zoning decisions are ultimately determined by the recommendations from the Department of City Planning to the City Council of Atlanta. Applicants will need to make all requests for Zoning Verification Letters online through the Accela Citizen Access portal, including non-conforming verification letters first. Prior to applying for an re-zoning or SAP application, applicants are to research the property(s) to see if it is are located in any special, historical, or overlay districts, and check all city and community plans. Many of these plans can be found under the PLANNING. All projects will follow this general process, but depending on the project type and whether it exists in any special districts, applicants may need to take extra steps to get the permit approved. To review the City of Atlanta, Department of City Planning Permitting process, https://www.atlantaga.gov/home/showdocument?id=52008&t=637630866614856405. All completed applications MUST be mailed to the NPU-Y board.
The local neighborhood plays an important role in the process, as does the NPU-Y, and the NPU-Y Zoning Committee. NPU Policy recommends all applicants meet with the NPU Executive Board or Zoning Committee for review, prior to submitting their application. Depending on the application, when an application is submitted, the person(s) making the request will contact the NPU-Y Executive Board to request their application be placed on the NPU-Y Monthly Meeting Agenda 10 days prior to the upcoming NPU-Y General Body Meeting. When appearing at the NPU-Y Monthly Members Meeting, the applicant will present a formal presentation regarding the proposal, which must include the full application, requesting the NPU-Y vote of recommendation. Applicants are encouraged to receive feedback from the community prior to requesting the NPU-Y vote of recommendation, allowing the community to submit feedback to the applicants proposal. That NPU-Y recommendation will then be forwarded to City..
- NPU-Y Zoning Committee: NPU-Y has a Zoning Committee, which reviews all zoning requests.
- The NPU-Y Zoning Committee meetings are scheduled each month, which can be found on the NPU-Y website.
The person(s) making the request will make a similar request and presentation to the NPU-Y, at the following scheduled NPU-Y Monthly Meeting. NPU-Y members will take a formal vote on the application, and forward that recommendation to the Office of City Planning. The NPU is the source of the “official” recommendation of the community as a whole. Some applications will go before a Public Hearing scheduled by the Office of City Planning.
The Office of City Planning will take the community recommendation from the NPU into consideration when making their final decision and recommendation to City Council. *Additional fees or meetings with staff may apply.
If you need assistance with permitting, please contact the Zoning, Development, and Permitting Staff.
| Office of Buildings | The Office of Buildings authorizes activities like construction, tree removal, sign placement, and technical work through the issuance of Building Permits. |
| Building Permits | Building permits are issued through the Department of City Planning Zoning, Development, and Permitting Services. There are very specific requirements for building permits, and this link contains important information for homeowners looking to make improvements to their homes. |
WHAT ARE BUILDING CODES?
Building codes are designed to ensure safe building techniques. These important standards help protect families from safety risks and ensure the public safety, health and general welfare. The City of Atlanta issues building permits to uphold standards of structural strength and stability, means of egress, adequate light and ventilation, safety to life and property from fire and other hazards incidental to the design, construction, alteration, repair, removal or demolition of buildings or structures.
The MuniCode contains the ordinances and regulations for all elements of the Atlanta City government.
https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/ordinances-and-regulations
The ordinances pertaining to Zoning are contained in the MuniCode: Part III – Code of Ordinances—Land Development Code / Part 16 – Zoning.
There are six sections of the Municipal Code which apply directly to homeowners and developers of land in the City of Atlanta:
| Zoning Code | This section describes all the various classifications of Zoning and various zoning regulations pertaining to each. |
| Building Codes and Interpretations | This section contains all the various codes pertaining to construction related to buildings; fire, plumbing, mechanical, gas, swimming pools & spas, and energy conservation. If you are planning on a home project, this is the site to review in order to understand the construction requirements that will be necessary to meet legal standards. |
| Tree Protection Ordinance | The city of Atlanta has very specific requirements designed to protect trees in the city. This section describes all the important regulations to understand regarding the considerations which must be undertaken when removing trees. If you are considering removing any trees from your property, or building structures on your property, this is an important ordinance to understand. |
| Short-Term Rental Ordinance | This section defines short term rentals and the associated regulations. |
| Subdivision Code | These are the regulations regarding development of new housing, standards for streets, standards for developments, pedestrian and bikeway systems, and provisions of open space areas. |
| Impact Fees Ordinance | Primarily use for developers of land, this section describes the impact fees that are stipulated to be paid by a developer for all or a portion of the costs associated with providing public services for that new development. |