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1. When is a variance required?

A variance is a modification of the specific provisions of this zoning ordinance granted by City Council following a duly advertised public hearing. A variance is required when strict enforcement of the zoning ordinance would cause undue hardship owing to circumstances unique to the individual property on which the variance is granted, and
1.There are extraordinary and exceptional conditions pertaining to the particular property in question because of its size, shape or topography;
2.The application of this zoning ordinance to the particular piece of property would create an unnecessary hardship;
3.Such conditions are peculiar to the particular piece of property involved;
4.Such conditions are not the result of any actions of the property owner; or
5.Relief, if granted, would not cause substantial detriment to the public good nor impair the purposes or intent of this zoning ordinance.

2. What is my zoning?

All land in the City limits of Chamblee has been allocated to one of fourteen zoning districts shown on the Official Zoning Map adopted by the Mayor and City Council. Each zoning district has specific standards of use, development and design that are prescribed in the City of Chamblee Zoning Ordinance. Anyone desiring to know the zoning of their property may consult the Zoning page on the City of Chamblee website using this link. Those without access to the internet may make an appointment with the Planning and Development Department. Those seeking written confirmation of the zoning of their property may contact the Planning and Development Department and request a zoning verification letter.

3. What is a zoning verification letter, and why is it needed?

A zoning verification letter provides a written record of the zoning of a parcel of land in the City of Chamblee and may also be used to confirm that a specific use is permitted in the zoning district assigned to a specific parcel of land in the City.

A zoning verification letter may be required in order to obtain financing or execute sale or lease of a property, or to qualify for an Occupational Tax Certificate from the City of Chamblee.

4. How do I apply for property 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. 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. The Planning in Development Department 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 approved rezoning. See the Applications, Forms, and Documents section for submittal information.

Applications, Forms, and Documents

5. Tree Pruning

The pruning of trees on private property does not require a permit.

Pruning, planting and removal of trees within the public right of way requires an encroachment permit. Contact the Chamblee Public Works Department at (770) 986-5019.

See the Tree Protection FAQs for more information.

6. Tree Removal

Tree removal on City property requires a permit. Utility companies, private contractors, outside governments, and individuals must apply for and procure a permit, comply with tree protection and replacement administrative guidelines to this article to protect and preserve City properties in any modification of their landscape. Written plans outlining purpose, proposed operations, and approximate dates shall be submitted to the Planning and Development Director for approval. Tree removal on privately-owned property may require a permit depending upon the use of the property. Property that is being used for single-family residential may remove no more than 5 non-specimen trees from a property in one given year without a permit. The removal of 6 or more non-specimen trees or a specimen tree will require a permit. Tree removal in the building or development process is subject to a land disturbance permit and must conform to the City’s tree preservation and replacement standards in Chapter 320 of the UDO. See the Tree Protection FAQs for more information.

7. What are the fees for a tree removal permit?

The Mayor and Council authorized a minimum fee of $150 for a minor tree removal permit. A tree removal permit for three or more trees requires a major tree removal permit fee of $300.

See the Tree Protection FAQs for more information.