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  • Planning & Zoning 101

    • The A-CC Planning & Zoning Encyclopedia

      Can't find a topic or term in encyclopedia? Email the Neighborhood Planner to have the document updated.

      nni@accplanning.com

      An alphabetized listing of common planning & zoning terms used locally in Athens, Georgia. We've done our best to help de-code the technical jargon and provide an explanation of planning concepts and processes in plain English.

      This document is a work in progress...
    • Subdivision of Land - Process Flowchart

      In the first of a planned series of flowcharts for the visually inclined, the subdivision process has been "mapped out" in a diagrammatic explanation. From the shift of a property line between two existing lots to a large residential subdivision, this explanantion follows the platting process from start to finish.

    • Infill Housing Study

      This study of infill housing issues in Athens-Clarke County examines design characteristics that can contribute to or detract from the compatibility of new housing in older, traditional neighborhoods. Strategies to achieve harmonious new single-family residential development are examined, including current policies and ordinances as well as potential tools.

    • Neighborhood Notification Initiative Brochure

      Contact: Neighborhood Planner, Lara Mathes
      This brochure is available at the Planning Department or here by download. If you are thinking about registering your neighborhood to participate in the NNI or if you just want to let neighbors know how to sign up for planning department notifications, this brochure explains the basics of how to participate and includes a list of all registered neighborhood areas and overlay notification areas.

    • Planning & Zoning Meetings and Hearings

      The Planning Department manages four regular meeting types. The weekly Plans Review agenda is a series of administrative meetings scheduled between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM every Thursday in order to review site and building construction permitting applications. These meetings are open to the public for observation, but they are not hearings. No public comment is taken. The other three regular meetings are monthly public hearings of the Planning Commission, Hearings Board, and Historic Preservation Commission.

      The Planning Commission reviews requested rezones, planned developments, special uses, amendments to the planning and zoning codes, and any other special planning study or project. Most decisions of the Planning Commission are advisory only in nature; the Mayor & Commission considers the recommendation of the Planning Commission but has ultimate authority in the decision-making process. Appeals of the Hearings Board decisions are decided by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 PM.

      The Hearings Board reviews requested waivers from the strict application of the zoning code for exceptional circumstances. These variances may be requested for development standards such as required setbacks or building height limits but not in order to allow a use or density not permitted by the subject property's zoning. The Hearings Board meets the second Wednesday of the month at 3 PM.


      The Historic Preservation Commission reviews requested Certificates of Appropriateness for new construction or alterations to the exterior of properties located within a locally designated historic district, as well as to locally designated landmarks. The Historic Preservation Commission also recommends districts and landmarks for local designation to the Mayor & Commission. The Preservation Commission meets the third Wednesday of the month at 5:30 PM.

  • Neighborhood Organizing Tools

    • Guide for Starting a Successful Neighborhood Association

      The Guide for Starting a Successful Neighborhood Association was adapted for Athens-Clarke County from one produced by the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas. This comprehensive organizational resources includes tips for running effective meetings, incorporating a neighborhood groups, participating in the local political process, communicating effectively, as well as spearheading fun neighborhood projects.

    • Establishing a Non-Profit

      A guided online tutorial for establishing a non-profit from The Foundation Center. While the focus is not specifically neighborhood organizations, many of the steps for establishing a successful non-profit organization outlined here also apply to neighborhood groups. This tutorial includes the process of incorporation, board development, bylaws, tax exemption, fundraising, and more.

    • Federation of Neighborhoods

      A coalition of neighborhood and citizens' groups in Athens since the 1960s, the ACC Federation of Neighborhoods exists to study and inform neighborhood groups and citizens about local issues that affect them. The Federation takes formal stands and action on current issues when members deem necessary.

    • i-neighbors

      i-neighbors is a social networking service that connects residents of geographic neighborhoods. i-neighbors helps individuals, communities, and homeowner's associations by providing a website for neighbors to find each other, organize, share information and work together to address local problems. Founded in 2004 as a not-for-profit, advertising, and SPAM free service, i-neighbors is operated as an ongoing experiment in community building by a team of faculty and students at the University of Pennsylvania.

    • Other helpful links

      Tips for Getting Involved in Local Issues from Athens Grow Green, a local non-profit promoting smart growth pronciples.
      Neighborhood-Related Resources this webpage from the American Planning Association, a national professional planning organization, is devoted to a variety of neighborhood online tools and advocacy groups
      Community Building in Public Housing from the Civic Practices Network

  • Neighborhood Planning Elsewhere

    • Atlanta, Georgia

      Neighborhood Planning Units in Atlanta, Georgia, divide the city limits of Atlanta among twenty-four NPUs, which are citizen advisory councils that make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on zoning, land use, and other planning issues. The NPU system was established in 1974 to provide an opportunity for citizens to participate actively in the Comprehensive Development Plan, which is the city's vision for the next five, ten, and fifteen years.

    • Boise, Idaho

      Neighborhood Planning in Boise, Idaho, has three basic components: the Pre-Application Meeting, the City Grant Funds & Neighborhood Reinvestment Program, and Neighborhood Plans. Read the brochure summarizing the Boise program or visit their website with the link above the image.



    • Charlotte, North Carolina

      Charlotte, North Carolina, has a separate Neighborhood Development department distinct from its Planning Department. Neighborhood Development administers Code Enforcement, Neighborhood Services, & Housing Services. The Planning Department develops Area Plans with input from registered neighborhood organizations and communicates with these same groups regarding rezones.

    • Charlottesville, Virginia

      For planning purposes, The City of Charlottesville, Virginia, is divided up into 18 neighborhoods that provide complete coverage of the city's jurisdiction. Smaller neighborhood associations may operate within the larger groups, but capital improvement planning and neighborhood-scale comprehensive plans utilize the standard 18 areas of the city for tailoring city initiatives to neighborhood needs.

    • Fayetteville, Arkansas

      Similar in focus to Athens' Federation of Neighborhoods, the mission of the Council of Neighborhoods in Fayetteville, AR, is "to promote and enhance the quality, stability, and vitality of the various neighborhoods in the City of Fayetteville; to provide a forum for neighborhood associations to share information, experiences, concerns, and ideas; and to help facilitate communication between neighborhoods, through their associations, and government agencies."