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Unicorporated Fulton County
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out how my property is zoned?
To find out how your property, located in unincorporated Fulton County, is currently zoned, please call the Department of Environment and Community Development at 404-730-7800, and ask to speak with a Zoning Technician. The technician will consult the official zoning maps to locate your property, tell you the zoning classification and advise you if there are conditions of zoning associated with your property. Knowing the Land Lot and District of your property before you call will be helpful.
If you need a written certification of this zoning, please write the Department of Environment and Community Development at the following address:
Fulton County Department of Environment and Community Development
Suite 2085, 141 Pryor Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
Attention: Zoning Certification
In your letter request a Zoning Certification Letter. You must include the zoning case number, survey of your property, or a legal description of the property you wish to have certified. Also, indicate if you will pick this certification up at our office or if you wish to have it mailed to you (include your return address) and allow two to five working days for this certification to be prepared. The fee for a Zoning Certification Letter is $30.00 and must be submitted with your request. Make your check payable to Fulton County.
How do I rezone my property?
To rezone your property to a different zoning classification, you must obtain a Rezoning Information Package from this department which includes the application for rezoning as well as the instructions for filling out the application. The package also includes a list of other information you must submit. The rezoning process will take 60-90 days or longer depending on your circumstances and the timing of your request. The information package will include schedules, filing deadlines and the dates of all meetings you must attend. Once you have filed the necessary application, a planner will be assigned to your request and will assist you from that point.
Note that before filing, your site plan must be reviewed by a planner. To schedule a pre-application review appointment with a planner once you have a site plan, please call 404-730-7800 and ask to speak with a current planner.
To obtain your Rezoning Information Package, simply call our office at 404-730-7800 and request this information. You may also find this information at www.fultonecd.org.
How can I get a copy of the Conditions of Zoning for a specific property?
Not all properties have Conditions of Zoning attached. If the property has been rezoned it is likely that there is a set of conditions under which the property must be developed. In such cases, a copy of these conditions may be obtained from the Department of Environment and Community Development at 141 Pryor Street; Suite 2085. A zoning technician or current planner will help you find the conditions and discuss these conditions with you.
How can I get the Conditions of Zoning changed?
In order to change any of the Conditions of Zoning that may apply to your property, you must file a Modification application. Simply call our office at 404-730-7800 and request a Modification Application package. This package includes the application form, instructions on how to complete this form as well as schedules and deadlines for filing. You may also find this information at www.fultonecd.org.
Once filed, some Modification requests, deemed to not be of public interest, may be handled administratively. Note that before filing, your site plan must be reviewed by a planner. To schedule an appointment with a planner once you have your site plan, please call 404-730-7800 and ask to speak with a current planner.
Once you have made application, a planner will be assigned to your request and will assist you from that point.
What does the Long Range Comprehensive Plan say about my property?
To understand how the Long Range Comprehensive Land Use Plan relates to your property, please call the Environment and Community Development Department at 404-730-8000 and ask to speak to a Comprehensive Plan Planner.
Where do I get a copy of the Fulton County Zoning Resolution?
The Fulton County Zoning Resolution is available at www.fultonecd.org. You may also order this document from the Municipal Code Corporation, P.O. Box 2235, Tallahassee, Fl, 32316, Phone: (850)576-3171 or through www.municode.com.
Ask for the New Official Zoning Code for Fulton County, Georgia. Ordering from the Municipal Code Corporation offers the advantage of automatic updates for one year.
How do I get a Variance for my property?
You may apply for relief to some of the standards in the Zoning Resolution by requesting a Variance. Variance appeals may be handled administratively, otherwise they go before the Board of Zoning Appeals for a hearing. Simply call our office at 404-730-7800 and request a Variance Application Package. This package includes the application form, instructions on how to complete this form as well as schedules and deadlines for filing. This information is also available at www.fultonecd.org.
Note that before filing you must schedule a pre-application review appointment with a planner. Please call 404 730-7800 and ask to speak to a current planner to schedule this appointment.
My property is located in Fulton County inside the city limits. Can you help me?
If your property is located inside the city limits of Atlanta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Union City, Fairburn, College Park, East Point, Palmetto or any other incorporated city, then your zoning and development matters will be handled by that jurisdiction. You may call the following numbers for help:
Alpharetta - 678-297-6070
Atlanta - 404-330-6175
College Park - 404-767-1537
East Point - 404-765-1031
Fairburn - 770-964-2244
Hapeville - 404-669-2100
Mountain Park - 770-993-4231
Roswell - 770-641-3727
Union City - 770-964-2288
Palmetto - 770-463-3377
What is the Community Zoning Board and what do they do?
The Community Zoning Board (CZB) is a 7-member board appointed by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. The CZB is responsible for making recommendations on rezoning and use permit applications for property within unincorporated Fulton County; amendments to the text of the Fulton County Zoning Resolution; and amendments to the text and associated map of the Fulton County Comprehensive Plan.You may write to the members individually or collectively at:
Fulton County Community Zoning Board
141 Pryor Street, S.W., Suite 2085
Atlanta, GA 30303
What is the Board of Zoning Appeals and what do they do?
The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is a 7-member board appointed by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. The BZA is responsible for hearing and deciding appeals on primary variances; interpretation of any of the provisions of the Zoning Resolution by the Director of E&CD; allegations that there is an error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by any Fulton County official in the enforcement of the Zoning Resolution; and a permitting or procedural decision of the Department Director or Deputy Director regarding minor or administrative variances. You may address the members by writing to:
The Board of Zoning Appeals
Department of Environment & Community Development
141 Pryor Street, S.W.
Suite 2085
Atlanta, GA 30303
18. I want to divide my property into two or more lots. Do I need any approvals to do so?
You may create new lots by subdividing your property according to the standards set up in the Fulton County Subdivision Regulations. All types of subdivision require the new configuration to be platted. There are various categories of plats. There will be requirements for certain public improvements associated with the process. Extensive engineering documents may be necessary to support your project. To find out about the information the County requires you to submit in order to approve the division of your property, call 404 335-2969 and asked to speak to the plan review section.
Our review and approval of the plat will assure that your property is in compliance with all development regulations, including zoning and health regulations. The process can take between two weeks to a few months, depending on the size of your project and the response from your engineer or surveyor. The cost of a Plat is $100 plus $10 per lot.
19. How do I get my plat recorded?
Once your Plat has gained approval, you are responsible for recording this plat with the Clerk of Superior Court. Once recorded, you must bring 17 copies of the recorded plat back to this department before any building permit can be issued. For more information on this process, contact our office at 404-730-7800 and ask to speak to our plan review section.
20. How much will a building permit cost and what do I need to get one?
Please click here for information on the 2004 Fee Schedules and Tables.
The South Fulton Growth Initiative allows that all permitting fees for projects located in South and Southwest Fulton County to be reduced by 90% if they were zoned prior to 2001.
General Permitting Requirements:
Two site plans of the property, drawn to engineers scale for new structures and additions. The site plans should not exceed 11" x 17".
For commercial, office or apartment construction, you must first have your building plans approved by this department. Submit 3 sets of plans and allow 2-5 days for review.
For all commercial, office or apartment construction (excluding apartment interior construction), you must first have an approved Land Disturbance Permit. Information on how to apply for a Land Disturbance Permit may be obtained from our Plans Review Division at 404-730-7800.
For residential properties, you must be located in a recorded subdivision, your exact lot must have existed before 1967 or you must have an approved Exemption Plat. Information on how to file an Exemption Plat is provided in this brochure.
If your property is located within 2,000 feet of the Chattahoochee River, you must have an approved River Corridor Application. For information on how to file a River Corridor Permit, call our office at 404-730-7800.
You will also pay water and sewer hook-up fees at the time you receive a building permit.
If your property will use a septic tank, you must first have a Septic Tank Permit from the Health Department. Call the Fulton County Health Department at 404-730-1211 for details.
Some areas in Sandy Springs and north Fulton County will also pay a Transportation Impact Fee. Call 730-7800 details.
21. Does my building permit cover the work being performed by my sub-contractors?
No. Although all fees may have been paid at the time you were issued a building permit, the sub-contractor's work is not permitted until he has submitted an Affidavit form or Installation list to our office. The form or installation list is available for our offices at 770-306-3036, 770-777-6500 or 404-730-7868.
22. How do I get a Demolition Permit to demolish a structure?
To obtain a Demolition Permit you must make an application at our downtown office at 141 Pryor Street. You must know the business license number of the contractor who is going to demolish the structure. If the structure contains asbestos, your contractor must present his Asbestos Contracting License and Notification of Asbestos Renovation, Encapsulation or Demolition from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Asbestos Licensing and Certification Unit, Environmental Protection Division. In most cases, the demolition of an entire structure requires a Pest Control Letter from the Health Department (404-730-1211).
23. How can I get a copy of the final plat of my subdivision?
The final plats of all subdivisions are recorded with the Clerk of the Superior Court. A copy of your final plat may be obtained in the records room of the Superior Court. Call 404-730-5305 for information on how to obtain your copy.
24. Where do I get Topographic Maps and Aerial Photos of my property?
If your property is located outside the City of Atlanta, aerial photography and planimetric maps are available from the Department of Environment and Community Development on the 5th floor of the Government Center. The cost is $35 for planimetric sheets and $20 for aerial photography.
25. How can I get my building plans reviewed and approved?
To have your building plans approved, submit 3 set of plans to the Department of Environment and Community Development and allow 2-5 days for review. All building plans for structures other than single family homes must be approved before you can obtain a Building Permit. This review is primarily to review for compliance for building codes, fire codes and accessibility. There is no charge for this review. No architectural review is required for single family homes although a site plan review is required.
26. Who do I call for a plumbing/electrical/mechanical/framing/building inspection?
To call for a building or trade inspection, please call 404-730-5858. This is our interactive voice response (IVR) line. You must know your permit number and type of inspection you are requesting by code. To obtain a copy of the list of codes call 404 730-7851. Your inspection will be automatically scheduled. You may find the results of the inspection after 48-hours by calling the same number and following the instructions given.
27. How can I check to see if my inspection passed?
To find out your inspection status, call 404 730-5858 and, following the instructions of the interactive voice response (IVR). If your inspection did not pass, or if you have specific questions for you inspector, please call the inspector who conducted your inspection or the supervisors of the different units from the following list. Inspector’s office hours are 8:00 am – 9:00 am daily.
Structural questions- Brad Thomas 770 306-3042
Electrical questions- Mike David 770 777-6506
Plumbing questions- Thomas Harper 770 306-3227
HVAC or Mechanical- Habib M'Bye 770 777-6507
28. Complaint regarding inspection-
You may file a written complaint with the
Department of Environment & Community Development
Complaints - Administrative Section
Development Division
141 Pryor Street, SE, Suite 2085, Atlanta, GA 30303
containing the address of the property, permit number (if known), and the name of the inspector/firm. An investigation will be put into place, and you will receive information as to what, if anything, can be done to rectify the problem.
29. Does my building permit cover the work being done by the subcontractors?
Although all fees are paid under the building permit, the sub-contracotr's work is not permitted until an affidavit form has been submitted to our office. For more information call 404-730-7816
30. The inspector did not approve my inspection. May I obtain the services of an engineer?
Yes. However, the engineer must be a participant in the Fulton County Private Inspector's program. That engineer will need to conduct the inspection and then write a letter outlining the corrective actrion that was taken and why the item now passes. This letter must be addressed and delivered to the inspector who turned the item down in the original inspection. All turned down items must be addressed in detail. If found acceptable, the County inspector will release the inspection.
31. Once all my inspections have passed, where do I get my Certificate of Occupancy?
You may pick up your Certificate of Occupancy at any of our offices. They are:
Downtown Main Office- 141 Pryor Street; Ste 2085 404-730-7800
Alpharetta Inspectors Office- 283 S. Main St., Suite 301, Alpharetta, GA. 770-777-6500
South Service Center- 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park, GA
770-306-3036
Please call for the Certificate of Occupancy at least two weeks before you know you will need it. Commercial C.O.s are only issued from the main office.
32. Are water and sewer services available to my property?
To find out if water and/or sewer is available to your property, call the Public Works Department at 404-730-7400.
33. How do I get sewer service to my property?
First, you must find out if sewer is available in your area. Do this by calling the Public Works Department at 404-730-7400. If sewer is available to your property, you then must pay a sewer connection fee in the Department of Environment and Community Development at 141 Pryor Street, Suite 2085. The connection fee varies in different locations but may cost up to $1,810.00.
If sewer service is not available to your property, you may petition the Public Works Department to extend the sewer line to accommodate you. You will be responsible for the entire cost of such an extension.
34. How do I get an irrigation water meter and how much does it cost?
Fulton County now offers you the option of having a second water meter for all outside watering. The cost of sanitary sewer will not be charged on the usage of this meter and may offer a significant savings. To obtain an irrigation water meter, send a $1,165.00 check made payable to Fulton County to the following address:
The Fulton County Department of Environment & Community Development
141 Pryor Street, Suite 2085
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Attention: Bobby Smith
Indicate that your check is for an Irrigation Water Meter, the address where the meter is to be installed, your name and phone number. Once your request has been received, we will fill out the actual application form and mail you a copy of the application so you will know you are scheduled for installation. You will not be notified when the actual installation will occur and the installation may take up to four months. The new Irrigation Water Meter will be installed next to your existing water meter. It will then be your responsibility to have a plumber acquire a plumbing permit to reconfigure your system and separate the outside water from your home usage.
Plumbing permits can be obtained at the Alpharetta office, the South Service Center or at our main office at 141 Pryor Street, S.W., Suite 2085. (See question 3. for directions)
35. Why has my water meter not been installed?
If you have made application for a household water meter and it has not yet been installed, call the Public Works Department at 730-410-3421 or 404-730-7400 to find out when you are scheduled for installation.
36. How do I get a curb cut permit?
In order to build a driveway or to gain access from a public street to your property you must obtain a Curb Cut Permit. If your property is not located on a major thoroughfare, the Department of Environment and Community Development will issue a Curb Cut Permit. The cost is $17.50.
If your property is located on a major thoroughfare, you must contact the Fulton County Traffic Engineer at 404-730-7400 to obtain this permit. If you are unsure if you are located on a major thoroughfare, please call 404-730-7800 and ask to speak to a permit clerk.
37. When is a Land Disturbance Permit (LDP) Required?
Any activity which involves the moving of large quantities of dirt (within an area of 5,000 s.f. or more) on a site not being developed for a single family residential building will require a land disturbance permit. There are instances when a Land Disturbance Permit may be required for the building of a home. To determine whether or not an LDP is required for the activity you are planning, please contact the Plans Review Division at 404-730-7800.
38. What is the process for getting my Land Disturbance Permits?
Applications and drawings for Land Disturbance Permits can be submitted between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The person submitting the plans must sign a document stating that the minimal submittal requirements have been met. These documents will be officially logged in for review on the following Wednesday, for monitoring and management purposes.
Staff will have comments ready as quickly as possible, usually within10 business days. The "sign-off for compliance" is normally conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays (after 10:30 a.m.). Staff members from the Plans Review Division are available for appointments and for telephone discussions. Meetings with staff must be scheduled in advance. If changes are made throughout the process, those who have signed before must sign again. When all comments have been met, the permit will be issued after the Senior Staff has overviewed the documents and the permit has been prepared. This usually occurs within 48-hours of the final sign-off. To obtain a copy of these documents and procedures, please call 404-730-7534.
39. How many sets of plans do I need to submit for a Land Disturbance Permit?
A minimum of six (6) sets of plans and two (2) sets of the Hydrology Study are required to be submitted.
40. Why do I have to deal with the Public Works Department if there is supposed to be a one-stop-shop?
Certain development related construction, such as storm water management and traffic improvements, are under the purview of the Public Works Department. Public Works is the maintenance monitoring force for these facilities once construction is complete. For consistent development of these facilities and features, the Public Works Department serves as an overview before development and as consultant throughout development. At the end of development, the final acceptance and maintenance of these facilities falls to the Public Works Department.
41. How do I find out if my property is in a Flood Plain?
Most of the streams in Fulton County have been studied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Those streams which have associated flood plains are depicted on maps which are kept in the Department of Environment and Community Development. If you would like to determine if your property is located in one of these flood prone areas, you may visit our offices between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and meet with the staff of the Plan Review Division. If you would rather obtain copies of these maps for your own, contact FEMA at 770-220-5200.
42. Who do I talk to if I need additional information about the various responsibilities of the Environment and Community Development Department?
Main Number – 5th floor 404-730-8000
Comprehensive Planning and Support Services
Main Number – 2nd floor 404-730-7800
Current Planning, Zoning, Administration, Development, Permitting, Inspections, Code Enforcement, and Environmental Affairs
Acting Director, Terry L. Todd
vacant, Administrative Coordinator II, 404-730-8079
Administration and Budget (2nd floor)
Joe Warfel, Assistant Director, 404-730-8062
Suzanne Moss, Administrative Coordinator III (Personnel, Section Supervisor) 404-730-8068
Rosa Stewart, Administrative Coordinator II (Invoicing, Purchasing, Payments, etc.) 404-730- 7812
Teresa Atchison, Administrative Coordinator II (Travel, Training, Work Orders, Purchasing Cards, etc.) 404-730- 4390
Karen Yarbrough, Human Resources Specialist (Time sheets, Payroll, etc) 404-730-7826
Environmental Affairs (2nd floor)
Kimberly Sanders, Environmental Programs Administrator, 404-730-8035
Development (2nd floor)
Nick Ammons , Deputy Director, 404-730-7530
Lee Peek, Assistant Director (Building Review & Inspections) 404-730-0011
Dick Wilcox, Lead Engineer (Development Review & Inspections) 404-730-7474
Alex Comer, Inspections Supervisor (Erosion Control)
Mary Louise Upshaw, Planning Analysis Manager (Building Permitting, Signs, Customer Service, etc) 404-730-8094
vacant, Permits Supervisor, (Sign Permits) 404-224-3601)
Planning and Zoning (2nd & 5th floors)
vacant, Deputy Director 404-730-8106
Current Planning: (Applications for Re-Zoning, Zoning Resolution Interpretations, etc.) Randy Beck, Acting Assistant Director, 404-730-8053
Zoning: Shirley King, Zoning Services Coordinator, 404-730-8022
Comprehensive Planning: (Long Range and Overlay Districts) Ellen Byrdsell, Acting Assistant Director, 404-730-8031
Code Enforcement: John K. Smith, Assistant Director, 404-235- 2920
Environmental Court Liaison: Larry Mills, 770-777-6505
Support Services (5th floor)
Doug Smith, Assistant Director, GIS, 404-730-8020
Carl Anderson, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Manager,
404-730-8026
Sandy Sundstrom, Graphics Manager, 404-730-8042
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