Zoning Attorneys Secure Variances for Georgia Businesses
Landlord lawyers cut through the red tape when you need a variance
How does my company go about obtaining a variance?
Our attorneys guide you through the process of obtaining a variance in Marietta and other cities and counties throughout Georgia. Since zoning is a local matter, the process of obtaining a zoning variance depends on the municipality in which your project will be situated. For instance, in Marietta the process requires a:
- $250 application fee
- Completed notarized application
- Legal description of property
- Site plan
- The plan must be prepared by a state-registered architect, engineer or land surveyor whose seal is affixed to the plan.
- Site plans must clearly show all relevant existing conditions as well as the proposed additions to the property.
- Copy of current tax bill with proof of payment
- Document authorizing you to submit the application by the property owners if you are not the owner
Why would I need a variance?
Variances are needed in a wide range of situations. A common purpose for a variance is to open a retail store or other small business in a residential neighborhood. Other variances our attorneys have secured include:
- A set-back exception to allow ingress or egress on a particularly narrow lot
- Permitting the placement of a sign to advertise the business
- Increasing the height or size of a sign
When you are seeking a variance, you need to know the nature of the municipality’s zoning scheme. The most common zoning plans are those that are:
- Use-based — A use-based scheme either permits only certain uses for a real estate parcel or, conversely, restricts only certain uses. A use variance would allow a parcel to be used for a purpose other than that for which it is zoned. A coffee shop would, for example, need a use variance to open in a neighborhood that’s zoned residential.
- Characteristic-based — A characteristic-based zoning scheme focuses on restricting certain aspects of projects, such as building height, parking availability and sign height. A characteristic variance would allow a project to have a characteristic that the zoning plan would otherwise prohibit. You would need a characteristic variance, for example, to build a four-story building in an area that is zoned for two-story buildings.
Contact us for experienced assistance with zoning variances
For 31 years, the attorneys at Wiles & Wiles, LLP have helped commercial property owners secure variances to meet their goals. If you have zoning or variance concerns, contact us at 770.426.4619 or online.