Understanding Permits

Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA)

The BZA handles appeals and variances to the zoning code. Neighborhood associations can:

Review cases scheduled for BZA hearings to identify any that may impact the neighborhood.
Provide testimony at hearings to support or oppose variance requests.
Collaborate with applicants to find mutually agreeable solutions before the BZA meeting.

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Zoning Review Board (ZRB)

In order to do business or hold special events in the city limits, businesses and corporations must apply for certain types of permits. Below are key ways that neighborhood organizations can engage with the different permitting processes of Atlanta

Zoning plays a significant role in neighborhood and community development, as they are the City’s way of regulating where and how property is used. The Zoning Review Board evaluates requests for zoning changes and special use permits. The ZRB takes into consideration the recommendations of the relevant NPUs and makes recommendations on rezonings to the Zoning Committee of City Council. It consists of 9 members appointed by the Mayor and City Council Neighborhood associations can:

Attend ZRB meetings to understand proposed zoning changes that may affect the neighborhood.
Collaborate with NPU to devise recommendations or objections to proposed zoning changes.
Engage in dialogue with property owners and developers to negotiate conditions that benefit the community.

License & Review Board (LRB)

The License & Review Board reviews applications for various permits and licenses, including alcohols. The LRB is under the Atlanta Police Department. Neighborhood associations can:

Attend board meetings to stay informed about upcoming applications.
Submit written comments or attend public hearings to voice support or concerns about specific applications.
Collaborate with applicants to address any community issues before the board makes a decision.

Special Event Permits

The Mayor’s Office of Special Events (MOSE) and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) oversees permits for special events in Atlanta, such as outdoor festivals, parades, and outdoor gatherings. Engaging with these two departments can help ensure that events are conducted in a way that respects neighborhood interests. Many MOSE and DPR applications are subject to NPU approval. Neighborhood associations can make an impact:

Monitor MOSE's calendar for upcoming events in their area.
Work with NPUs to create recommendations on how it impacts their neighborhood
Provide feedback on proposed events that may impact the community, such as noise levels, traffic, and security.
Work with event organizers to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure community needs are met.

NPU Recommendations

NPUs are citizen advisory councils that make recommendations to the city on zoning, land use, and other planning issues. They also provide formal policy recommendations on MOSE, LRB, and ZRB applications Neighborhoods and their associations are the core of the NPU, so it is important that neighborhood associations actively participate in weighing in on applications and projects. Neighborhood associations can:

Organize your fellow Neighborhood organization members
Actively participate in NPU meetings to stay informed about planning issues and proposals.
Present their positions and offer official recommendations on zoning applications and development projects to the NPU.
Work with NPU representatives to ensure their neighborhood's interests are reflected in NPU recommendations to the city.