When is a building permit required?
By City Ordinance, a building permit is required “to construct, erect, demolish, install, alter or repair…any building, structure, equipment, appliances or system…”
When is a building permit not required?
A building permit is not required for repair work with a total valuation of less than $2,500; provided such work is otherwise lawful. Repair work means in-kind repairs which do not add to, alter, or otherwise modify the building or structure.
What is a variance?
Variances are modifications of zoning regulations, granted by the BZA. A process is designed to allow citizens and neighbors to weigh in on the application for the variance, but the decision is always made by the Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA).
I applied for a permit and I was told I need a variance. What is the process?
In short, Candler Park Zoning Committee > Candler Park General meeting > NPU-N > BZA. With more detail: your application is reviewed by the Candler Park Zoning Committee, which votes to recommend support or not support your application. This recommendation is relayed to the Candler Park general meeting, who then, via a vote, decides to support or not support your application. This advice in turn is relayed to the Neighborhood Planning Unit N who considers your application and votes to support or not support your application.Lastly, this advice is communicated to the BZA, who makes the decision whether or not to grant your variance. At each step of the process an application may be deferred. Usually a deferral happens when not all documents are submitted or compromises need to be worked out. A deferral is free, except for deferrals with the BZA.
How long will the process for a variance application take?
Consider these steps and dates:
- ZC – every first wednesday of the month. Applications need to be submitted to the ZC chair a week before this date.
- CPNO General meeting – third Monday of every month.
- NPU-N – Every 4th Thursday. Check carefully in case this date falls on, or close to a holiday. Especially December has non standard meeting dates.
- BZA – schedule for 2013.
Usually the BZA scheduling leaves several weeks for the applicant to contact the Zoning Committee, but sometimes the dates work out to no more than a week and the documents will need to be submitted immediately for the application to make it on the agenda. It is the applicant’s duty to verify that this process can be completed before the scheduled BZA hearing date.
Should I bring a presentation board?
Other than the materials requested in the ZC Checklist, there is no need to bring anything. However, please consider that you may be asked to present at the CPNO general meeting, the NPU-N meeting and the BZA meeting. Many applicants choose to create one or more boards outlining their plans.
How do I know which zoning code an address/property is in?
Two methods:
- Use the overview map to find the relevant detail map.
- Search by address, parcel ID, owner or land lot. This search is fairly forgiving: you can, but don’t have to, add “ave”, “st.” etc.
Where can I find property information?
- Zoning details, tax information, owner + mailing address: gis.atlantaga.gov. Click the small “more” link in the Property information box. Search for the address, try to start out with just the house number and the first word of the street name. Use the “online map” link to start an interactive map with “layers” like NPU’s, neighborhoods, Tax Allocation Districts, etc.
- Property appraisal details according to the DeKalb County website.
- Permits, complaints, inspections, status updates, search the City of Atlanta’s Citizen Gateway. Search tip: provide as little information as possible, for example to find permits issued for 123 Main St. Apt. 4-a Atlanta, GA 30307, initially only enter Street No.=123 and Street Name=Main.(Pre-November 2009 permits)
Where can I report a code violation?
Please see the Office of Buildings Inspections Division page for more information.
Where can I report a noise violation?
Atlanta Police Department via 911, or zone 6: 404-371-5002.
Atlanta Noise Ordinance.
When and where are the zoning committee meetings?
Every first Wednesday of the month at 7pm at Epworth at Candler Park, 1561 McLendon Avenue, Atlanta GA 30307 (door under the “1561” sign).
How is tree removal handled?
Tree removal is typically handled through the Bureau of Buildings. Signs are required to be posted on the property. Trees are marked prior to the advertisement period and then they can be removed, if no one objects. Objections are filed with the City of Atlanta and heard before the Tree Commission.
Stop work orders
Decisions by the Bureau of Building and the Office of Zoning Enforcement are easily appealed – a temporary stop work order is issued and the appeal is reviewed by City of Atlanta staff.
What is the yard setback for my property? How high can I build? How many parking spaces is a community center supposed to have?
The relevant section of the Code of Ordinances will tell you! Determine the zoning code you’re interested in (Candler Park is mostly R-4 and R-5), then open the Code of Ordinances, City of Atlanta, Georgia. In the menu on the left, locate PART III > Part 16 – Zoning.