Forsyth County Unincorporated City Zoning Code
Complete index of all zoning chapters, sections, and subsections
CHAPTER 3
- DEFINITIONS
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - GENERAL PROVISIONS REGARDING DEFINITIONS.
- ARTICLE II. - SPECIFIC DEFINITIONS
CHAPTER 4
- FORSYTH COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION2
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - CONTINUATION
- ARTICLE II. - POWERS AND DUTIES[3]
- ARTICLE III. - APPOINTMENT, TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP AND DISMISSAL
CHAPTER 5
- FORSYTH COUNTY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT4
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - ESTABLISHMENT
- ARTICLE II. - PERSONNEL
- ARTICLE III. - FUNCTIONS, POWERS AND DUTIES
- 5-3.1. - No legislative power.
- 5-3.2. - Functions.
- 5-3.3. - Assistance to planning commission and zoning board of appeals.
- 5-3.4. - Approval of subdivisions.
- 5-3.5. - Administrative and interpretative functions.
- 5-3.6. - Enforcement powers.
- 5-3.7. - Comprehensive plan.
- 5-3.8. - Zoning regulations.
- 5-3.9. - Subdivision regulations.
- 5-3.10. - Plats and maps.
- 5-3.11. - Information to officials.
- 5-3.12. - Recommendations.
- 5-3.13. - Corrective zoning action.
CHAPTER 6
- FORSYTH COUNTY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS5
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - CONTINUATION
- ARTICLE II. - MEETINGS AND RECORDS
- ARTICLE III. - POWERS[6]
- ARTICLE IV. - APPEAL OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION OR ORDINANCE DECISION[7]
- ARTICLE V. - VARIANCES
- ARTICLE VI. - APPEALS OF ZBA DECISIONS
CHAPTER 7
- PERMITS, CERTIFICATES, FEES AND FINANCES8
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - LAND DISTURBANCE PERMITS
- ARTICLE II. - BUILDING PERMITS
- 7-2.1. - When required.
- 7-2.2. - Erosion control.
- 7-2.3. - Sewage disposal.
- 7-2.4. - Water supply.
- 7-2.5. - Land disturbance permit.
- 7-2.6. - Application.
- 7-2.7. - Egress and ingress required.
- 7-2.8. - False statement.
- 7-2.9. - Deviation from application.
- 7-2.10. - Report of deviations.
- 7-2.11. - Lots in subdivisions.
- 7-2.12. - Application review period.
- 7-2.13. - Expiration.
- ARTICLE III. - TRADE PERMITS
- ARTICLE IV. - COTTAGE FOOD PERMITS
- ARTICLE V. - CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY
- ARTICLE VI. - STANDARDS FOR PERMITS AND CERTIFICATES
- 7-6.1. - Compliance.
- 7-6.2. - Building code.
- 7-6.3. - Plumbing code.
- 7-6.4. - Swimming pool and spa code.
- 7-6.5. - Mechanical code.
- 7-6.6. - Gas code.
- 7-6.7. - Electrical code.
- 7-6.8. - Energy code.
- 7-6.9. - Review.
- 7-6.10. - Inspections.
- 7-6.11. - Preliminary inspection.
- 7-6.12. - Required inspections.
- 7-6.13. - Inspection requests.
- 7-6.14. - Approval required.
- 7-6.15. - Inspection personnel.
- 7-6.16. - Factory-built housing.
- 7-6.17. - Driveway culverts.
- 7-6.18. - Building sewers.
- ARTICLE VII. - ZONING COMPLIANCE
- ARTICLE VIII. - FEES GENERALLY
- ARTICLE IX. - FEE AMOUNTS
- ARTICLE X. - FINANCES
CHAPTER 8
- ZONING AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES9
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - APPLICATION OF REGULATIONS
- ARTICLE II. - APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- ARTICLE III. - PUBLIC HEARINGS AND NOTICES FOR ALL APPLICATIONS
- ARTICLE IV. - AMENDING THE TEXT OF THIS CODE
- ARTICLE V. - REZONINGS, CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS, AND SKETCH PLATS
- ARTICLE VI. - VARIANCES
- ARTICLE VII. - APPEALS OF ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS
- ARTICLE VIII. - APPEAL OF ZONING BOARD OF APPEAL DECISIONS
- ARTICLE IX. - ZONING CONDITION AMENDMENTS
- ARTICLE X. - HOME OCCUPATION APPLICATIONS
- ARTICLE XI. - MOBILE VENDING APPLICATIONS
- ARTICLE XII. - APPEAL OF ZONING DECISIONS
- ARTICLE XIII. - CERTIORARI
CHAPTER 9
- ZONING AND OVERLAY DISTRICTS10
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICTS
- ARTICLE II. - INTERPRETATION OF DISTRICT BOUNDARIES
CHAPTER 10
- GENERAL PROVISIONS AND NONCONFORMING SITUATIONS11
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - GENERAL PROVISIONS
- 10-1.1. - Application of regulations.
- 10-1.2. - Minimum requirements.
- 10-1.3. - Every use must be on a lot.
- 10-1.4. - One principal dwelling on a lot.
- 10-1.5. - Reduction in performance standards prohibited.
- 10-1.6. - Setback reduction.
- 10-1.7. - Setbacks and buffers, government line.
- 10-1.8. - Setbacks and buffers, adjacent local governments.
- 10-1.9. - Setbacks and buffers, lots accessed from an easement.
- 10-1.10. - Setback and planting requirements for Georgia Highway 400.
- 10-1.11. - Height limitations.
- 10-1.12. - Use prohibited when not specified.
- 10-1.13. - Outside construction.
- 10-1.14. - Commercial maintenance requirements.
- 10-1.15. - Setback exemptions.
- 10-1.16. - Encroachments.
- 10-1.17. - Determination of setbacks.
- 10-1.18. - Determination of yards.
- 10-1.19. - Setback and zoning buffer encroachments for accessory structures and accessory buildings.
- ARTICLE II. - NONCONFORMING SITUATIONS
CHAPTER 11
- RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS12
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS PRIOR TO UDC VERSION 5
- ARTICLE II. - SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (RES1)
- ARTICLE III. - SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (RES2)
- ARTICLE IV. - SINGLE FAMILY COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (CR2)
- ARTICLE V. - SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (RES3)
- ARTICLE VI. - SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (RES4)
- ARTICLE VII. - MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RES6)
- ARTICLE VIII. - MANUFACTURED HOME PARK DISTRICT (MHP)
- ARTICLE IX. - SITE DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN STANDARDS FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, EXCLUDING MHP DISTRICT
- ARTICLE X. - DESIGN STANDARDS FOR SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED AND MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
CHAPTER 12
- COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE DISTRICTS13
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPPING DISTRICT (NS)
- ARTICLE II. - URBAN VILLAGE (UV)
- ARTICLE III. - COMMERCIAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD)
- ARTICLE IV. - HIGHWAY BUSINESS DISTRICT (HB)
- ARTICLE V. - HEAVY COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (HC)
- ARTICLE VI. - BUSINESS PARK (BP)
- ARTICLE VII. - OFFICE AND INSTITUTIONAL DISTRICT (O&I)
- ARTICLE VIII. - OFFICE RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (OR)
- ARTICLE IX. - OFFICE COMMERCIAL MULTIPLE STORY (OCMS)
- ARTICLE X. - GENERAL SITE DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN REGULATIONS FOR ALL COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE DISTRICTS
- 12-10.1. - Purpose and intent.
- 12-10.2. - Applicability.
- 12-10.3. - Utilities.
- 12-10.4. - Grading and site development.
- 12-10.5. - Curb cuts and access specifications.
- 12-10.6. - Interparcel connections.
- 12-10.7. - Location of loading and unloading areas.
- 12-10.8. - Location of parking areas.
- 12-10.9. - Open display of vehicles, equipment, and merchandise.
- 12-10.10. - Screening of outside storage yards.
- 12-10.11. - Screening of dumpsters.
- 12-10.12. - Outdoor lighting.
- 12-10.13. - Building materials.
- 12-10.14. - Building and utility appurtenances.
- 12-10.15. - Landscaping.
- 12-10.16. - Signage.
- 12-10.17. - Plans.
- 12-10.18. - Maintenance.
- 12-10.19. - Fencing.
- ARTICLE XI. - ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LARGE-SCALE RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS 40,000 SQUARE FEET OR GREATER
- ARTICLE XII. - ADDITIONAL LOCATION AND ZONING REQUIREMENTS FOR LARGE-SCALE RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS 75,000 SQUARE FEET OR GREATER
- ARTICLE XIII. - ADDITIONAL LOCATION AND ZONING REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS IN SOUTH FORSYTH
- 12-13.1. - Intent.
- 12-13.2. - Delineation of South Forsyth.
- 12-13.3. - Design plan administrative review.
- 12-13.4 - Applicability.
- 12-13.5. - Landscaping and pedestrian improvements.
- 12-13.6. - Parking.
- 12-13.7. - Access.
- 12-13.8. - Commercial amenity.
- 12-13.9. - Building materials.
- 12-13.10. - Massing.
- 12-13.11. - Roofing.
- 12-13.12. - Windows.
- 12-13.13. - Screening.
- 12-13.14. - Color.
- 12-13.15. - Signs.
- 12-13.16. - Fencing.
- 12-13.17. - Retaining walls.
- 12-13.18. - Self-service storage facilities.
- 12-13.19. - Fuel stations.
- 12-13.20. - Vehicle rental/sales/service establishments and car washes.
- 12-13.21. - Parking structures.
CHAPTER 13
- DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR ACTIVITY CENTERS
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - PURPOSE AND INTENT
- ARTICLE II. - DESIGN STANDARDS
- 13-2.1. - Detention basins.
- 13-2.2. - Connectivity and roadway design criteria.
- 13-2.3. - Building height and mass.
- 13-2.4. - Arrangement and siting of buildings.
- 13-2.5. - Compatibility.
- 13-2.6. - Building appearance and architectural details.
- 13-2.7. - Signage.
- 13-2.8. - Parking.
- 13-2.9. - Landscaping, trees, and natural environment.
- 13-2.10. - Public spaces and streetscape improvements.
- 13-2.11. - Pedestrian and bicycle access and connections.
- 13-2.12. - Transit access and connections.
- 13-2.13. - Lighting.
CHAPTER 14
- INDUSTRIAL AND MINING DISTRICTS14
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - RESTRICTED INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT (M1)
- ARTICLE II. - HEAVY INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT (M2)
- ARTICLE III. - MINING OPERATIONS DISTRICT (MINE)
- ARTICLE IV. - GENERAL SITE DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN REGULATIONS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND MINING DISTRICTS
- 14-4.1. - Purpose and intent.
- 14-4.2. - Applicability.
- 14-4.3. - Utilities.
- 14-4.4. - Grading and site development.
- 14-4.5. - Curb cuts and access specifications.
- 14-4.6. - Interparcel connections.
- 14-4.7. - Location of loading and unloading areas.
- 14-4.8. - Screening of outside storage yards.
- 14-4.9. - Screening of dumpsters.
- 14-4.10. - Outdoor lighting.
- 14-4.11. - Building materials.
- 14-4.12. - Building and utility appurtenances.
- 14-4.13. - Landscaping.
- 14-4.14. - Signage.
- 14-4.15. - Plans.
CHAPTER 15
- AGRICULTURAL DISTRICTS
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT (A1)
- ARTICLE II. - AGRICULTURAL-RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS (AG-RES)[15]
- ARTICLE III. - REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS AND SPECIAL EVENT FACILITIES ON A-1 PROPERTY[16]
- ARTICLE IV. - AGRITOURISM
- ARTICLE V. - COTTAGE FOOD OPERATIONS
ARTICLE I
- AIRPORTS, HELIPORTS AND HELIPADS
Sections
- 16-1.1.- Generally.
- 16-1.2. - Types of permits.
- 16-1.3. - Permit issuance, general airport uses.
- 16-1.4. - Permit issuance, limited airport uses.
- 16-1.5. - Permit issuance, heliport and helipad use.
- ARTICLE II. - COMMUNICATION TOWERS AND COMMUNICATION ANTENNA PERMITS
- ARTICLE III. - HOME BUSINESSES[17]
- ARTICLE IV. - SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USES[18]
- 16-4.1. - Accessory structures in residential districts.
- 16-4.2. - Accessory apartments, attached.
- 16-4.3. - Accessory apartments, detached.
- 16-4.4. - Backyard chickens.
- 16-4.5. - Build-to-rent.
- 16-4.6. - Commercial Athletic Fields, Outdoor.
- 16-4.7. - Commercial recreational facilities, outdoor.
- 16-4.8. - Condominiums.
- 16-4.9. - Senior housing.
- 16-4.10. - Convenience stores.
- 16-4.11. - Demolition of historic structures.
- 16-4.12. - Reserved
- 16-4.13. - Dumpsters in residential districts.
- 16-4.14. - Fences and walls.
- 16-4.15. - Horses.
- 16-4.16. - Hotels, motels, and extended stay hotels and motels.
- 16-4.17. - Junk vehicles.
- 16-4.18. - Junk yards.
- 16-4.19. - Livestock.
- 16-4.20. - Manufactured/mobile homes.
- 16-4.21. - Manufactured/mobile homes for health hardships.
- 16-4.22. - Removal.
- 16-4.23. - Micro-breweries and micro-distilleries.
- 16-4.24. - Mobile food units.
- 16-4.25. - Mobile vendors.
- 16-4.26. - Outdoor lighting.
- 16-4.27. - Places of worship.
- 16-4.28. - Poultry houses.
- 16-4.29. - Sand dredging within creek banks.
- 16-4.30. - Seasonal sales and temporary vending.
- 16-4.31. - Self-service storage.
- 16-4.32. - Sheds.
- 16-4.33. - Short-term rental.
- 16-4.34. - Reserved.
- 16-4.35. - Townhouses.
- 16-4.36. - Transportation and utility facilities.
- 16-4.37. - Vehicle sales dealerships or vehicle rental establishments.
CHAPTER 17
- PARKING AND LOADING REGULATIONS19
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY
- ARTICLE II. - REQUIRED PARKING
- 17-2.1. - Required minimum number of parking spaces.
- 17-2.2. - Interpretations of parking requirements.
- 17-2.3. - Reduction of required parking for off-site arrangements.
- 17-2.4. - Reduction of required parking for mixed or joint use of parking spaces.
- 17-2.5. - Reduction of required parking for alternative transportation arrangements.
- 17-2.6. - Reduction of required parking when on-street parking is permitted.
- 17-2.7. - Parking maximums.
- 17-2.8. - Parking space and isle specifications.
- ARTICLE III. - LOADING AREAS
- ARTICLE IV. - GENERAL PARKING AND LOADING AREA SPECIFICATIONS
- ARTICLE V. - PARKING AND LOADING AREA IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS
- ARTICLE VI. - SPECIAL PARKING REQUIREMENTS
- ARTICLE VII. - PLANS
CHAPTER 18
- SUBDIVISIONS AND LAND DEVELOPMENT20
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
- ARTICLE II. - GENERAL PROVISIONS
- ARTICLE III. - STREETS AND DEDICATIONS IN MAJOR SUBDIVISIONS
- ARTICLE IV. - DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR LOTS
- 18-4.1. - Adequate buildable area required.
- 18-4.2. - Lot remnants shall not be permitted.
- 18-4.3. - Service areas.
- 18-4.4. - Lot area.
- 18-4.5. - Lot width.
- 18-4.6. - Side lot lines.
- 18-4.7. - Corner lots.
- 18-4.8. - Lot depth.
- 18-4.9. - Double frontage lots.
- 18-4.10. - Locations adjacent to major street.
- 18-4.11. - Drainage.
- 18-4.12. - Natural features and assets.
- 18-4.13. - Flag lots and tracts prohibited.
- ARTICLE V. - REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS
- 18-5.1. - Required improvements.
- 18-5.2. - Improvements mandatory.
- 18-5.3. - Plans required.
- 18-5.4. - Engineered drawings.
- 18-5.5. - Survey monuments for subdivisions.
- 18-5.6. - Streets.
- 18-5.7. - Street signs.
- 18-5.8. - Curbs and gutters.
- 18-5.9. - Sidewalks, when required.
- 18-5.10. - Sidewalks, location.
- 18-5.11. - Improvements on abutting public streets.
- 18-5.12. - Reserve strips.
- 18-5.13. - Grading.
- 18-5.14. - Drainage system.
- 18-5.15. - Drainage easements and riparian buffers.
- 18-5.16. - Water main requirements.
- 18-5.17. - Water system requirements.
- 18-5.18. - Sewage system.
- 18-5.19. - Water impounding structures.
- 18-5.20. - Oversizing of improvements and utilities.
- 18-5.21. - Fire flow and fire access.
- 18-5.22. - Subdivision improvement guarantees.
- 18-5.23. - Common area.
- 18-5.24. - Maintenance of common, non-public facilities.
- 18-5.25. - Utilities.
- 18-5.26. - Common mailbox facilities.
- ARTICLE VI. - APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES
- ARTICLE VII. - SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS FOR MINOR SUBDIVISIONS
- ARTICLE VIII. - INTRAFAMILY LAND TRANSFERS
- ARTICLE IX. - PRIVATE STREETS
- ARTICLE X. - GENERAL BUFFER REGULATIONS
- ARTICLE XI. - STREAM BUFFER REGULATIONS
- ARTICLE XII. - ADDITIONAL UNDISTURBED AREA REGULATIONS
- ARTICLE XIII. - OPEN SPACE AND LOW-IMPACT STORMWATER DESIGN
CHAPTER 19
- CONSERVATION SUBDIVISIONS
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - PURPOSE AND INTENT
- ARTICLE II. - APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER 18 AND CHAPTER 11 TO CONSERVATION SUBDIVISIONS
- ARTICLE III. - OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION AREAS[21]
- ARTICLE IV. - DETERMINING LOT YIELD
- ARTICLE V. - SITE DESIGN STANDARDS[22]
- ARTICLE VI. - DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR STREETS[23]
- ARTICLE VII. - PROCEDURES[24]
- ARTICLE VIII. - EASEMENTS AND OWNERSHIP
- ARTICLE IX. - CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL[25]
CHAPTER 20A
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT26
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - PURPOSE AND INTENT AND APPLICABILITY
- ARTICLE II. - USES PERMITTED WITHIN PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS
- ARTICLE III. - PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
- ARTICLE IV. - APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES
- ARTICLE V. - PERMITS AND CERTIFICATES
CHAPTER 20B
SPECIALTY DISTRICTS27
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - MASTER PLANNED DISTRICT (MPD)
- ARTICLE II. - MIXED-USE CENTER DISTRICT (MCD)
- ARTICLE III. - MIXED RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (MRD)
CHAPTER 21
- OVERLAY DISTRICTS
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - GENERAL PROVISIONS
- ARTICLE II. - PROTECTED WATER SUPPLY WATERSHED OVERLAY DISTRICT[28]
- ARTICLE III. - PROTECTED GROUNDWATER RECHARGE AREA DISTRICT
- ARTICLE IV. - THE ETOWAH RIVER CORRIDOR PROTECTION DISTRICT
- ARTICLE V. - WETLAND PROTECTION DISTRICT
- ARTICLE VI. - ATLANTA HIGHWAY-MCFARLAND PARKWAY-MULLINAX ROAD OVERLAY DISTRICT
- ARTICLE VII. - CASTLEBERRY-BETHELVIEW CROSSROADS OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICT
- ARTICLE VIII. - PEACHTREE PARKWAY-BETHELVIEW ROAD OVERLAY DISTRICT
- ARTICLE IX. - RONALD REAGAN/UNION HILL OVERLAY DISTRICT
- 21-9.1. - Purpose.
- 21-9.2. - Boundaries and description of area.
- 21-9.3. - Relationship to underlying zoning and other regulations.
- 21-9.4. - Sub-area 1 (regional mixed-use).
- 21-9.5. - Sub-area 2 (village commercial and mixed-use).
- 21-9.6. - Sub-area 3 (residential with limited commercial).
- 21-9.7. - Architectural design standards.
- 21-9.8. - General regulations.
- 21-9.9. - Applicability.
- 21-9.10. - Administrative interpretations.
- ARTICLE X. - CAMPGROUND-CASTLEBERRY-KELLY MILL-PITTMAN-POST-SHILOH ROAD OVERLAY DISTRICT
- ARTICLE XI. - BUFORD HIGHWAY OVERLAY DISTRICT[29]
- 21-11.1. - Purpose.
- 21-11.2. - Delineation of district.
- 21-11.3. - Permitted uses.
- 21-11.4. - Design plan administrative review.
- 21-11.5. - Site design standards.
- 21-11.6. - Architectural design standards.
- 21-11.7. - Signage.
- 21-11.8. - Fuel stations.
- 21-11.9. - Vehicle sales, service, parts and repair facilities.
- 21-11.10. - Vehicle service, parts and repair facilities, not including vehicle sales.
- 21-11.11. - Flags.
- ARTICLE XII. - COAL MOUNTAIN OVERLAY DISTRICT
- ARTICLE XIII. - COAL MOUNTAIN TOWN CENTER OVERLAY DISTRICT
- 21-13.1. - Purpose.
- 21-13.2. - Delineation of district and relationship to other regulations.
- 21-13.3. - Design review procedures and guidelines.
- 21-13.4. - Design standards.
- 21-13.5. - Open space.
- 21-13.6. - SA-1 mixed use subarea.
- 21-13.7. - SA-2 transitional subarea.
- 21-13.8. - SA-3 residential subarea.
CHAPTER 22
- ENFORCEMENT AND LEGAL STATUS PROVISIONS
Sections
- ARTICLE I. - PREVENTIVE ACTION
- ARTICLE II. - REMEDIAL ACTIONS
- ARTICLE III. - CONFLICT WITH OTHER ORDINANCES
- ARTICLE IV. - REPEAL OF CONFLICTING RESOLUTIONS AND/OR ORDINANCES
- ARTICLE V. - VALIDITY AND SEPARABILITY
- ARTICLE VI. - ADOPTION AND EFFECTIVE DATE