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Government » Departments » City Planning » Zoning, Development Permitting Services
Getting started with our Zoning, Development, and Permitting Services
Department of City Planning
Development Services
Providing service to residents that are responsive, inclusive, accessible, and easy to understand
Administering Atlanta’s Zoning and Building Codes
The Department of City Planning (DCP) is responsible for administering the zoning and building codes for the City of Atlanta. We do so by offering services through three of our offices: The Office of Zoning & Development, The Office of Design, and The Office of Buildings. Throughout your project, you may interact with one or more of our offices depending on your site and scope of work.
Our Offices
Office 01
01
The Office of Zoning & Development
Regulates and approves compliance within established zoning districts for items related to land use (such as height, 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).
Office 02
02
The Office of Design
Provides design guidance rooted in the values of Atlanta City Design and is responsible for regulation and compliance within the city's historic and landmark districts.
Office 03
03
The Office of Buildings
Authorizes activities like construction, tree removal, sign placement, and technical work through the issuance of building permits. They also conduct inspections and code enforcement.
Need Assistance?
Find Your Next Step
Browse the services below to learn more about the services we offer at DCP and how you can get started. If you have questions or still need help, connect with our team.
FAQs about Zoning, Development, and Permitting Services
Do I need a permit?
If you are looking to build new, alter, add to, demolish, or change the use or layout of your property, you likely need approval from DCP and other agencies. The level of approval and permitting depends on your scope of work and your zoning district.
Commonly-permitted projects include:
- New Construction
- Additions/Alterations
- Demolitions
- Accessory structures (Sheds and ADUs)
- Fences
- Decks and Porches
- Windows, Roofs, and Solar panels
- Tree removal
- Signs
- Subdivisions
- Work in Special Public Interest or Historic Districts
- Change in use or occupancy, tenant finishes, white box
Is any work exempt from permitting?
Please be advised that any work done must meet the minimum requirements of the appropriate code. The following items are exempt from being permitted in accordance with Ordinance 17-O-1307.
GENERAL REPAIRS
No permit or permit fee is required for any repair work to a single-family, duplex, multi-family or non-residential structure with a total valuation of less than $10,000.00 provided that such work is otherwise lawful. The following permit exemptions apply only to existing single-family, two-family or duplex residential structures or for existing accessory structures for such properties, without regard to cost.
- Non-structural re-roofing repairs excluding truss repairs or shingle replacement provided that upon replacement no more than three layers of shingles remain
- Repair or replacement of kitchen cabinets
- Repair or replacement of bath cabinets or countertops not involving relocation of electric outlets or appliances or plumbing fixtures
- Repair or replacement of interior doors
- Repair or replacement of drywall on ceilings or walls not to exceed three sheets
- Repair or replacement of floor or wall coverings such as carpet, tile, hardwood, paneling, wallpaper, etc.,
- Interior or exterior painting
- Repair or replacement of gutters
- Non-structural porch or deck repairs
- Repair or replacement of siding
HVAC/MECHANICAL
- Repair or replacement of existing air conditioner condensers
- Repair of existing furnaces and equipment
- Replacement of grills and diffusers on existing duct work
PLUMBING
- Repair or replacement of existing kitchen fixtures (sinks)
- Repair or replacement of existing bathroom fixtures (sinks, lavatories, bathtubs, showers).
ELECTRICAL
- Repair or replacement of existing electrical outlets
- Repair or replacement of existing electrical fixtures
- Installation, repair or replacement of low voltage systems such as security alarms, garage door openers, phone and cable lines, etc.
No exemption for properties designated under Chapter 20 of the zoning ordinance:
When such work affects exterior of the structure or site, the foregoing permit valuation threshold and permit scope exemptions shall not apply to any work to be conducted in a landmark, or historic district, or landmark or historic building or site governed by Chapter 20 of the zoning ordinance.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for property governed by said Chapter 20, no certificate of appropriateness or building permit or permit fee is required for any repair work with a total valuation of less than $2,500.00 provided that such work is otherwise lawful.
Am I in a special district?
To help you determine which zoning district you are in and any particular overlays that may apply, it is highly recommended to begin with our property info search tool on our GIS site to research your property
Both your scope of work and the zoning district and/or overlay where your project site is located will determine whether you need additional permits or reviews, like a Special Administrative Permit from our Office of Zoning & Development or a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Studio or even approval by the Urban Design Commission prior to the submission of your building permit.
To learn more these special districts, view the resources below:
- Special Public Interest District (SPI) - These are areas, buildings, or grounds officially designated as having special and substantial public interest in protection of their existing or proposed character, or of views surrounding those areas and their visual environment. There are over 20 SPI districts in the City of Atlanta. Read more about each of their requirements and regulations in Chapter 18 and more in our Zoning Ordinance.
- Zoning Overlays - These are areas of the city where additional requirements or processes apply based on their established boundaries. Depending on your property's zoning category, you may have additional requirements or processes to follow if you reside within the overlay district. Two major overlays below:
- BeltLine - Areas of the city surrounding the Beltline path. Visit beltline.org to learn more about the project. You can find the district regulations in Chapter 36 of our Zoning Ordinance.
- Inclusionary Zoning and Westside Park Affordable Workforce Housing Overlay - Areas of the city adjacent to the BeltLine and other planned improvements with requirements to provide affordable housing. Read more about the program, view the guide, and find other helpful resources on our Inclusionary Zoning page.
- Historic and Landmark districts - These are areas of the city or individual buildings or sites with significant historic, architectural, and/or cultural significance where categories of zoning protection apply. You can find a more information about the 20+ historic districts and their specific regulations on our Historic Preservation page.
How do I submit for review or permitting?
To submit for review and permitting with any of our offices, use our online permitting portal. For links to the portals, instructions, and tutorials on submitting your project, visit our Online Permitting page
What will this cost?
Use these tables as a baseline reference for your project. You can also refer to our Code & Permit Navigator to calculate cost for your specific project.
Any questions can be directed to our Zoning, Development, and Permitting Staff.
More information on our Development Impact fees can be found on the Impact Fees page.
More information on Inclusionary Zoning In-lieu of fees can be found on the Inclusionary Zoning page.
| HISTORIC PRESERVATION OR URBAN DESIGN COMMISSION FEES | FEE | UNIT |
| Type I Certificate of Appropriateness | $10 | each |
| Type II Certificate of Appropriateness (Staff Review only) | $10 | each |
| Type II Certificate of Appropriateness (Commission decision) | $100 | each |
| Type III Certificate of Appropriateness (Additions only) | $100 | each |
| Type III Certificate of Appropriateness (New principal structure) | $200 | each |
| Type IV Certificate of Appropriateness (Threat to public health and safety) | $100 | each |
| Type IV Certificate of Appropriateness (Lack of reasonable economic return) | $200 | each |
| Court reporter for Type IV hearing | at cost unless hired by applicant | |
| Rezoning reviews (included in Office of Zoning & Development fees) | ||
| Subdivisions governed by the Commission | $100 | each |
| Variances | $100 | each |
| BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS | FEE | UNIT |
| Variances Applications | ||
| R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3, R-3A, R-4, R-4A, R-4B, R-5, LD, HD | $100 | each |
| RG Sectors 1-6, MR Sectors 1-8 | $500 | each |
| R-LC, O-I, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, I-1, I-2, MRC-1, MRC-2, MRC-3, LW, NC, all SPI Districts | $625 | each |
| Special Exceptions | each | |
| R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3, R-3A, R-4, R-4A, R-4B, R-5, LD, HD | $100 | each |
| RG Sectors 1-6, MR Sectors 1-8 | $500 | each |
| R-LC, O-I, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, I-1, I-2, MRC-1, MRC-2, MRC-3, LW, NC, all SPI Districts | $625 | each |
| Deferral Fee | cost provided by staff | each |
| Appeal Fee | $250 | each |
| ZONING REVIEW BOARD | FEE | UNIT |
| REZONING APPLICATIONS | ||
| To R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-2B, R-3, R-3A, R-4, R-4A, or R-4B | $500 | each |
| To R-5, RG, PD-H, or MR | ||
| 1 acre or less | $500 | each |
| 1+ to 5 acres | $625 | each |
| 5+ to 10 acres | $750 | each |
| 10+ acres | $1,250 | each |
| To R-LC, O-I, C-1, C-2, C-4, C-5, I-1, & or I-2 | ||
| 1 acre or less | $1,000 | each |
| 1+ to 5 acres | $1,500 | each |
| 5+ to 10 acres | $2,000 | each |
| 10+ acres | $3,000 | each |
| To C-3, PD-OC, PD-MU or PD-BP | ||
| 1 acre or less | $3,000 | each |
| 1+ to 5 acres | $4,500 | each |
| 5+ acres | $6,000 | each |
| To any Special Public Interest (SPI) District | $3,000 | each |
| To LW, MRC or NC | ||
| 1 acre or less | $3,000 | each |
| 1+ to 5 acres | $4,500 | each |
| 5+ acres | $6,000 | each |
| SITE PLAN AMENDMENTS | ||
| In R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-2B, R-3, R-3A, R-4, R-4A, or R-4B | $500 | each |
| In R-5, RG, PD-H or MR | ||
| 1 acre or less | $500 | each |
| 1+ to 5 acres | $625 | each |
| 5+ to 10 acres | $750 | each |
| 10+ acres | $1,250 | each |
| In R-LC, O-I, C-1, C-2, C-4, C-5, I-1, or I-2 | ||
| 1 acre or less | $1,000 | each |
| 1+ to 5 acres | $1,500 | each |
| 5+ to 10 acres | $2,000 | each |
| 10+ acres | $2,500 | each |
| In C-3, PD-OC, PD-MU, or PD-BP | ||
| 1 acre or less | $2,500 | each |
| 1+ to 5 acres | $3,250 | each |
| 5+ acres | $4,000 | each |
| In any Special Public Interest (SPI) District | $3,250 | each |
| In LW, MRC or NC | ||
| 1 acre or less | $3,000 | each |
| 1+ to 5 acres | $4,500 | each |
| 5+ acres | $6,000 | each |
| Special Use Permit | $400 | each |
| Transfer of ownership | $200 | each |
| Comprehensive Development Amendment | $1,000 | each |
| Transfer of development rights | $400 | each |
| SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE PERMITS | FEE | UNIT |
| Exterior demo, outdoor dining new/expansion, or non-expansion | $250 | each |
| Developments < 50,000 sq.ft. of floor area | $500 | each |
| Developments 50,000 to 250,000 sq.ft. of floor area | $1,000 | each |
| Developments ≥ 250,000 sq.ft. of floor area: | $1,500 | each |
| SUBDIVISIONS | FEE | UNIT |
| Lot frontages facing an existing City of Atlanta right-of-way | $250 application, $10/lot | each |
| Up to ten acres requiring the installation of any right-of-way which is to be dedicated to the City of Atlanta or the connection of private streets to City of Atlanta right-of-way | $250 application, $10/lot | each |
| more than ten acres requiring the installation of any right-of-way which is to be dedicated to the City of Atlanta or the connection of private streets to City of Atlanta right-of-way | $1000 application, $10/lot | each |
| Replat of residential property | $40 first two lots, $20 each additional | each |
| Replat of non-residential property | $20 first two lots, $10 each additional | each |
| ZONING FEES | FEE | UNIT |
| Zoning Non-Conforming Verification Letter with Inspection | $300 | each |
| Zoning Non-Conforming Verification Letter with without Inspection | $100 | |
| Zoning Verification for Business License | $50 | each |
| Zoning Verification Classification Letter | $100 | each |
| BUILDING PERMIT FEES | FEE | MIN FEE AMT |
| Building Permit ($7 per $1,000 of Cost of Construction) | $7 Per $1000 | $150 |
| Technology Fee (per permit) | $25 | - - |
| Permit Extension (each) | $110 | $110 |
| Change of Contractor/Record Change (each) | $50 | $50 |
| Refer toTable 100 of the Appendix B for more information on building valuation | ||
| ADDENDUM TO TABLE 100 (Building Valuation Date) | FEE | UNIT |
| One (1) & Two (2) Family Residence - Carport (detached or Attached) | $35 | per sq. ft. |
| One (1) & Two (2) Family Residence - Garage (Detached or Attached) | $55 | per sq. ft. |
| One (1) & Two (2) Family Residence - Unfinished Basement / Attic | $55 | per sq. ft. |
| One (1) & Two (2) Family Residence - Basement / Attic Finish-Build Out | $46 | per sq. ft. |
| One (1) & Two (2) Family Residence - Deck / Balcony / Porch / Screened Porch | $35 | per sq. ft. |
| MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING PERMIT FEES | BASE FEE | MIN FEE AMT |
| Mechanical Permit | $150 | $175 |
| Electrical Permit | $150 | $75 |
| Plumbing Permit | $150 | $175 |
| How Water Tank - (Remove and Replace (ONLY) for One- & Two-Family Residence | $50 | $175 |
| Temporary Power Permit | $150 | $175 |
| Gas Pressure Test | $150 | $175 |
| Public Utility Permit | $50 | $75 |
| Low Voltage Permit - There is a minimum Low Voltage fee $45 for the first 3,000 square feet and $1.50 for each additional 1,000 square feet | $150 | $175 |
| Additional fees for trade permits apply based on project scope. Reference Appendix B of the Municode for more details. | ||
| ***A $25 Technology fee is applied to each of the permit base fees. | ||
| CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY | FEE | UNIT |
| One (1) & Two (2) Family Residence - Additions | $50 | each |
| One (1) & Two (2) Family Residence - New Construction | $100 | each |
| Commercial - Residential Condominium | $10 | per unit |
| New Commercial Building 1-7 Stories | $200 | per floor |
| New Commercial Building over 7 Stories | $300 | per floor |
| Commercial Interior Alterations | $100 | per suite |
| Certificate of Completion | $100 | per permit |
| Duplicate: Permit/Certificate of Occupancy | $50 | each |
| GENERAL FEES | FEE | UNIT |
| Technology Fee | $25 | per permit |
| New Tower | $1,825 | each |
| Co-Locate: Antenna, Dish, Radio Heads | $100 | each |
| Equipment Cabinet / Box, Ice Bridge | $100 | each |
| At Risk Fast Track Metal Stud Framing Only | $200 | valuation |
| Awnings / Canopies | $35 | per linear ft. |
| One (1) & Two (2) Family Online Permit: Remove & Replace Hot Water Tank | $50 | each |
| One (1) & Two (2) Family Residence-Roofing or Re-roofing | $360 | each |
| Demolition: One (1) & Two (2) Family Residence | $650 | each |
| Demolition: Commercial Buildings | $1,860 | each |
| Retaining Wall | $220 | each |
| Fences: 6 feet or less | $75 | each |
| Fences: Over 6 feet | $120 | each |
| New Parking Lots, Paving, Resurfacing, Concrete Walkways, and/or Driveways | $200 | each |
| One (1) & Two (2) Family Residence - Swimming Pool / Spa | $240 | each |
| Commercial Swimming Pool / Spa | $1,750 | each |
| FIRE LIFE SAFETY PERMIT FEES | BASE FEE | MIN FEE AMT |
| Fire Sprinkler Permit | $150 | $175 |
| Underground Fire Line | $150 | $175 |
| SIGN FEES | FEE | UNIT |
| Wall Signs | $150 + $1.00 per square foot of sign area | each |
| Freestanding Signs | $450 + $1.00 per square foot of sign area | each |
| Shopping Center Signs | $450 + $1.00 per square foot of sign area | each |
| General Advertising Sign | $1,050 | each |
| Portable Signs | $75 | each |
What do I need to apply?
Visit our page Applications, Forms, and Checklists.