The intent of this article is to establish and preserve a compact central business district convenient and attractive for a wide range of retail uses, business transactions, government and professional offices, places of amusement, employment activities, and services to the public designed primarily to meet the day-to-day shopping and service needs of residents of the city.

It is further the intent of this article to ensure that development within the central business district is consistent or compatible with development in the, town business district. The governing body finds that, due to the proximity of the central business district (CBD) to the historic downtown square, that development within the central business district could either substantially enhance or threaten the character and economic conditions of the historic downtown square, depending upon the type, nature and architectural character of such development. Because of the potential impact development within the CBD could have on the long term economic vitality of properties within the, town business district, which such historical properties are found to be of utmost importance to tourism and the economies of the city and county, the governing body finds that all alterations to structures and development of new structures within this district shall require a review according to the guidelines of the city historic district ordinance. This is required to ensure the integrity, stability and enhancement of the town business district (see section 2605).

(Ord. of 12-3-2018)

The following uses are permitted in the CBD, central business district:

1.

Any use permitted in the neighborhood business district, as enumerated in section 2302 of these regulations, but not subject to any specified square footage limitations except as provided in article XX.

2.

Bus stations and terminals.

3.

Commercial recreation facilities conducted entirely within an enclosed building.

4.

Hospitals and clinics.

5.

Hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast inns.

6.

Manufacturing and fabrication shops which occupy no more than 1,000 square feet of floor area.

7.

Parking garages and parking lots.

8.

Recycling collection centers, but not including the processing of recyclable materials.

9.

Residences, single-family attached, duplexes, townhouses, condominiums and apartments. Townhouses and condominiums are subject to all provisions of section 1405, and section 1406, respectively.

10.

Taxicab and limousine services.

11.

Theaters, indoor only.

(Ord. of 12-3-2018)

The following uses are conditional uses in the CBD, central business district:

1.

Circuses and carnivals.

2.

Commercial-residential group projects, as defined in article III.

3.

Farmers' markets, flea markets, roadside stands and other similar seasonal or temporary activities.

(Ord. of 12-3-2018)

Except as otherwise provided, it shall be unlawful in the CBD, central business district to provide more than what would be equal to ten percent of the internal floor space for outdoor storage, outdoor display or outdoor sales on any portion of a subject lot; provided, however that said prohibition shall not apply to auto, boat, recreational, farm and manufactured home and other vehicle rental and sales.

(Ord. of 12-3-2018)

Prior to any alteration (excluding painting), demolition, removal of an existing structure or building in whole or in part, or new construction of a structure or building in the CBD, central business district, a building permit shall be obtained and a design review shall be conducted by the planning director or designee in accordance with the City of Dawsonville building code Ordinance. A certificate of occupancy shall be issued by the planning director or designee, where such alteration, demolition or new construction shall be performed in accordance with the design guidelines of the building code ordinance.

Nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance or repair of any exterior elements of any structure or building; nor shall anything in this article be construed to prevent the construction, reconstruction, alteration or demolition of any such elements which any authorized public official shall certify as required by public health or safety. For the purpose of this section, signs shall not be considered structures, and signs shall not be considered as requiring a certificate of occupancy. All signs and other advertising devices are regulated according to the city general sign ordinance.

(Ord. of 12-3-2018)

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

*For developments abutting state highways a 50-foot front setback is required.

*Refer to sec. 802, Buffer required, for additional setback information in this zoning category.

(Ord. of 12-3-2018)