DEVELOPMENT REVIEW

ABOUT

Planning Studio Planners manage and coordinate with multiple staff across multiple city departments to ensure priorities related to Atlanta City Design (i.e., transit, bike, accommodations, land use intensity, and green infrastructure) are thoughtfully integrated into the City’s development approval process. The development review process is a rapidly expanding aspect of the Planning Studio work. Further, we are working to quantify capacity constraints associated with our existing and planned infrastructure to better advance priorities associated with the Atlanta City Design Capital Investment Plan.

Developments of Regional Impact

Developments of Regional Impact (DRI) are large-scale projects that can significantly affect the surrounding region, extending beyond their immediate location. Given their potential regional impact, DRIs undergo special review and approval by regional planning authorities or relevant agencies. This ensures thorough assessment and addressing of social, economic, and environmental consequences. The goal is to manage and plan these projects carefully, fostering sustainable growth while mitigating adverse effects on the broader region.

Special Administrative Permits

The City of Atlanta requires Special Administrative Permits (SAP) for specific zoning classifications, such as SPI districts, Beltline, Live-Work, and Multi-Family Residential. Prior to obtaining a building permit, applicants must submit and secure approval for an SAP from the Office of Zoning and Development (OZD). OOD’s Planning Studio collaborates with OZD to review applications and ensure compliance with zoning regulations. The process involves convening advisory groups like Development/Design Review Committees and Neighborhood Planning Units. OZD, acting as a quasi-judicial agency, holds public hearings to receive input from the community on proposed applications. These hearings serve to gather public comments on the proposed scope during the early stages of the review process, rather than making final decisions on the application’s merits.

Concept Review Committee

The Concept Review Committee (CRC) is a pre-submission meeting program that allows customers to meet with City plan review representatives during a project’s design stage. This open and organized format helps refine plans and scope, saving time for both the applicant and the City. By addressing challenges and clarifying processes upfront, it reduces follow-ups and streamlines the overall review process. The CRC aims to provide technical feedback before the entitlement and permitting process begins, without extending timelines or adding extra regulations.