Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA)

 Overview

The Board of Zoning Adjustment is a quasi-judicial board of five appointed members that hears applications for variances and special exceptions from the zoning ordinance, as well as appeals of administrative decisions. When making a decision concerning an application, the BZA takes into consideration the recommendations of the Office of Zoning and Development staff and the Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) as well as testimony given at hearings.

Members
Linda Sessler
Karl Barnes
Barry Camac
Michael W. Williams

Public Hearings

 2024 BZA Schedule

2025 BZA Schedule 

Board of Zoning Adjustment public hearings are held in the City Council chambers on the second floor of the Atlanta City Hall annex at 55 Trinity Avenue, beginning at 12:00 p.m. on the day indicated on the schedule.  Prior to the hearing, the Board of Zoning Adjustment members are briefed on items listed on the published agenda.  Briefing begins at 11:00 a.m.  Members of the public are allowed to attend but are not allowed to participate or present during briefing. 

Supplemental documents for all applications (variances, special exceptions and appeals) shall be submitted to the Secretary at least seven (7) business days prior to the scheduled date of the hearing. 

Citizens may also email documents for inclusion into the official record by submitting such materials to bza-hearings@atlantaga.gov by 10:00 am on the date of the public hearing.  However, in the event that the Board does not receive pertinent information related to a case, the Board may choose to defer the case to the next available agenda.

Board of Zoning Adjustment Rules of Procedure

Amended & Adopted on August 11, 2022

Board of Zoning Adjustment Dockets
If you are interested in reviewing the docket for an active case, please contact Valerie Lineberger to schedule an appointment.  If you are interested in reviewing an archived case, please fill out an archives request form.  

Public Hearing Agendas, Summaries & Staff Reports

After the hearing date, a summary will be provided to show the action taken by the board.

Videos of the Board of Zoning Adjustment may be viewed by visiting the Atlanta City Council's Meeting Videos page.