Zoning

Zoning Compliance is done as part of all building and land development review applications. Zoning compliance ensures that developments are in compliance with the UDO, including, but not limited to, items such as use, height, setbacks, open space, civic design, landscaping, setbacks, parking, and tree preservation.

What is my property zoned?: See what the zoning classification of properties in the City are by downloading the Zoning Map (pdf) or by using the Interactive Zoning Map application.

What can I do on my property?: See what uses are allowed by zoning district in the Table of Permitted and Prohibited Uses section in the UDO. For properties located in Planned Unit Development (PUD), see the PUD section below.

Unified Development Ordinance
The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) was adopted on June 16, 2015. Zoning activities from the adoption date forward are performed through implementation of the UDO, which includes code enforcement, along with shaping growth and redevelopment to achieve the vision of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The Planning and Development Department prepares and presents recommendations that ensure compliance with the UDO and the comprehensive plan in partnership with various boards and commissions to achieve a livable city while balancing the needs of residents and businesses. The UDO can be accessed through Municode.

SEE BELOW TO VIEW TEXT AMENDMENTS TO THE UDO THAT WERE ADOPTED IN THE PAST YEAR.

(All sections have been incorporated into Municode, unless otherwise noted.)

Text amendments to UDO code sections adopted by City Council on November 21, 2023: 
Section 230-27. Building architecture, Section 230-30. Open Space, Section 240-1. Table of permitted and prohibited uses, Section 240-7. Accessory use standards, Section 240-13. Supplemental use provisions, Section 250-2. Minimum number of parking spaces required, Section 250-12. Parking in NR-1 and NR-2 districts and Residential Uses in NC-1 and NC-2 districts, Section 280-37. Applicability, Section 350-6. Curbs and gutters. 

Text amendments to UDO code sections adopted by City Council on September 19, 2023. 
Section 220-6 Dekalb County-Annexed Zoning District 

Planned Unit Development (PUD)

Planned Unit Development (PUD), is a special zoning district, that is intended to permit the planning and development of parcels of land, at least one acre in size, that are suitable in location and character for the uses proposed as unified and integrated developments in accordance with detailed development plans. These plans may supersede the regulations included in the UDO where indicated by these development plans.

There are currently two PUD zoning districts in the City:

Downtown Chamblee Town Center PUD, adopted June 18, 2019. The regulations for the Town Center PUD District, which encompasses approximately one-sixth square mile in downtown, can be accessed here: Downtown Chamblee Town Center PUD Pattern Book.

Chamblee Park PUD, adopted October 19, 2021. The regulations for the Chamblee Park PUD District, which comprises the area along Parsons Dr and Deacon Ln, can be accessed here: Chamblee Park PUD Pattern Book.

Development of Community Impact (DCI)

A Development of Community Impact (DCI) is defined as any development or building project with an aggregate of 50,000 square feet or more of new buildings. These requirements shall also apply to common plans of development including multiple, separate and distinct development activities that take place on different parcels, at different times, or on different schedules.

A DCI requires a greater amount of scrutiny based on its potential impacts. DCIs are heard by the City's Design Review Board (DRB). The DRB makes recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on architectural and site design elements of an application. Planning and Development Department staff analyze the application and makes a recommendation of approval or denial to the Mayor and City Council. The City Council makes the final decision to approve or deny the DCI request. The Council may also place special stipulations or restrictions on an approved DCI.

Applications Open

The City of Chamblee is accepting applications for a position on the Design Review Board. Interested individuals should submit the application form along with a resume to Gabrielle Cazeau, in the Planning & Development Department, gcazeau@chambleega.gov. To download the form, click here.

Rezoning

When a property owner seeks to change the zoning of their land, they must submit a rezoning application to the Planning and Development Department to amend the City's official zoning map. No zoning map amendment shall be considered if it is not consistent with the future development map. If a proposed zoning map amendment is not consistent with the future development map, then an applicant may submit an amendment to the future development map, either separately or concurrently with a proposed zoning map amendment. After verifying that all the appropriate information has been provided and the required fees paid, staff schedules the application for hearing before the City Council. Planning and Development Department staff makes a recommendation to the City Council for disposition of the application. The City Council makes the final decision to approve or reject the rezoning request. The Council may also place special stipulations or restrictions on an approved rezoning.

Variances and Waivers

When a property owner seeks to receive a variance or waiver from a zoning standard, they must submit a variance or waiver application to the Planning and Development Department. After verifying that all of the appropriate information has been provided and the required fees paid, staff schedules the application for hearing before the Mayor and City Council. Planning and Development Department staff analyzes the application and makes a recommendation for approval or denial, and the Mayor and City Council makes the final decision to approve or deny the variance or waiver request. The Council may also place special stipulations or restrictions on an approved variance or waiver.

Applications

See the Applications and Forms page for submittal information for all zoning processes, and public hearing schedules.

See the Recent Zoning Agenda Items and Upcoming Zoning Agenda Items sections for information and documents pertaining to zoning cases.