Learn about Zoning & Building Codes

The City of Atlanta is divided into zones or districts that regulate the physical development of the land and limit the uses of a property. These zoning districts also regulate attributes like the 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.

Building codes are designed to ensure safe building techniques. These important standards help protect your family 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.

• Adopted Codes, Ordinances, and Regulations

• International Building Codes

• GA Department of Community Affairs

We permit to ensure any new construction or development activities are safe and up to code for residents and the general public. Unless exempted, it shall be unlawful to construct, erect, demolish, install, alter or repair or to commence the construction, erection, demolition, installation, alteration or repair of any building, structure, equipment, appliances or system without first obtaining a building permit.

The Atlanta Code of Ordinances is maintained online by Municode, a third party company that electronically publishes municipal codes. You can browse the entire ordinance online—just scroll down to Part 16 (Zoning) on the left or use the search box in the upper left corner. To read the regulations for a particular zoning district, choose from the list at the top of this page.

• Zoning District Description Table - These brief descriptions of each zoning district are intended to give a general idea of the intent of each district. For specific questions, please refer to the regulations for each district in the zoning ordinance.
• Residential Zoning District Regulations - This table summarizes the basic requirements for R zoning districts and provides diagrams to illustrate setbacks and minimum lot sizes.
• Historic Preservation Districts and Information - This page will offer more details on each historic or landmark district and the specific regulations that apply. Each is particular to the area and can range from development controls, like setbacks, heights, and more, to architectural controls like building materials and facade character. 

• Office of Zoning and Development - This office is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the zoning ordinance. The Zoning Division checks all building permits for compliance with the zoning ordinance and conducts research to verify the zoning classification for a given property.
• Office of Design - Historic Preservation Studio - This office is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the historic and landmark designations within the zoning ordinance. They will check any new applications for compliance with the ordinance and offer guidance on best design and compliance. 

Both offices have public boards to assist with any requests for modifications or exceptions or to review specific scopes of work. See more on their upcoming meetings and agendas on our Public Meetings, Boards, and Commissions page. 

• Zoning Review Board (ZRB) - This body consists of nine members, appointed by the Mayor and City Council, who meet twice a month to consider property rezonings and special use permits. The Zoning Review Board takes into consideration the recommendations of the relevant neighborhood planning unit and the Office of Zoning & Development staff and makes recommendations on rezonings to the Zoning Committee of City Council.
• Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) - This body consists of five appointed members who meet twice a month to consider applications for variances and special exceptions from the zoning ordinance. The Board of Zoning Adjustment takes into consideration the recommendations of the relevant neighborhood planning unit and the Office of Zoning & Development staff.
• Urban Design Commission (UDC) - Any time that work on the exterior of such a designated property is proposed, a Certificate of Appropriateness must be obtained from the Commission, as well as the normal building permit. The Urban Design Commission consists of a Staff of three (3) and a Board of 11 members who are all residents of the City of Atlanta. The members of the Commission are volunteers and are appointed to serve three-year terms by the Mayor, City Council, and Council President. 

Building permits are issued by the Office of Buildings, upon the approval by the appropriate review entities based on the scope of work. The Office is divided into workstreams that are associated with a specific type of project (Commercial, Residential, etc.). To learn more about the workstreams visit the About the Office of Buildings page (coming soon).