Zoning

The City of Atlanta is divided into zones or districts that regulate the physical development of the land and limit the uses to which a property may be put. These zoning districts also regulate the height, overall 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. While land use typically is broad (i.e. low-density versus high density residential), zoning sets very specific restrictions on such matters as how tall a structure can be, how far from the street and from property lines, allowable lot coverage, etc.

Much of the residential property within NPU-F consists of single-family homes, and these are most often categorized as R-4 zoning. Many of the existing homes were built prior to zoning in the early 19th century and are non-complying with the current zoning code. For example, the standard lot width for R-4 is 70 feet but many of our lots are only 50 feet wide. As a result, existing housing stock may already sit within the required 7-foot side yard setbacks or be closer to the street than allowed.  Any modifications to such a structure will require a variance.

What is the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP)?

The Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) is a guide to the growth and development of the City of Atlanta. It sets forth the development vision, policies and an implementation plan for the City and its neighborhoods for the next twenty years.

Comprehensive planning is the foundation for quality growth management. The comprehensive plan brings together and addresses all aspects of community and economic functions with the objective of sustaining and improving these functions in the future. The Comprehensive Development Plan addresses, but is not limited to, the following topics: population, economic development, housing, natural resources, historic resources, community facilities, transportation, urban design, and land use.

The current Comprehensive Development Plan was adopted on November 21, 2016 and is required by state statute. The Atlanta city charter calls for the plan to be updated every three to five years. The plan can also be changed to accommodate changes in land use (for example to build a high-density mixed-use development in an area that has been specified for low density single family residential use), but such interim changes are difficult and not encouraged.

What are the guiding principles NPU-F follows regarding development?

In addition to a city-wide comprehensive development plan, NPU-F has established land use policies specifically for our neighborhoods. These polices guide our decisions on recommendations for variances & zoning change applications as well as investments in infrastructure, green space, etc.