Biennial Budget 2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 0 - Cobb County Government

Behind The Scenes Zoning
MISSION
To provide professional advice on planning, zoning, and development matters to the
Board of Commissioners, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Historic
Preservation Commission, Cemetery Preservation Commission, citizens and general
public to ensure their decisions serve the best interests of the citizens of Cobb County
and ensure that our quality of life is maintained at exceptional levels.
DESCRIPTION
The Zoning Division of the Community Development Agency is responsible for
administering the Zoning process within the county. In addition, the division
participates in the Plan Review process to ensure all ordinance and stipulation
requirements are met for each development, and is responsible for preparing and
maintaining the monthly zoning and variance analysis and reports. The Zoning
Division is also responsible for conducting three required hearings each month for the
Board of Commissioners, Planning Commission, and the Board of Zoning Appeals
where zoning and variance applications are considered. This division also provides
professional and technical assistance such as: testifying in court as an expert witness,
preparing special studies on short-range planning issues, assisting in the preparation
and implementation of the Comprehensive Land-Use Plan, providing the public and
other clients direction and advice on the requirements within the Zoning Ordinance,
preparing amendments to current ordinances, and drafting new ordinances and
assisting other departments with solving problems while always striving to improve
customer service.
The following appointed commissions have been assigned by the Board of
Commissioners to be assisted administratively and advised professionally by the
Zoning Division:
Planning Commission (PC) - The Planning Commission reviews and makes
recommendations on ordinance amendments, property re-zoning, land-use permits,
the comprehensive land-use plan, transportation improvements, and other
infrastructure determined to be pertinent to the overall development of the county.
Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) - The BZA makes final decisions on variances to the
zoning ordinance, sign ordinance, and the development regulations of Cobb County.
The BZA is also charged with hearing appeals of any administrative decisions that are
challenged.
Cobb Cemetery Preservation Commission (CCPC) - The CCPC provides a uniform
procedure for the identification, preservation, protection, and maintenance of
cemeteries, graveyards, and burial grounds in Cobb County.
In addition to the appointed commissions, the clientele served by the Zoning Division
includes Cobb County citizens, the general public, developers, real estate brokers and
agents, civic and homeowner associations, contractors, attorneys and other
departments within county government.
FY 09/10 GOALS
GOAL #1 – Provide professional recommendations to the Board of Commissioners,
Planning Commission, other county departments and citizens in order to implement
the policies of the Cobb County Comprehensive Plan in accordance with the Zoning
Ordinance.
< Review Comprehensive Plan recommendations for incorporation into the
Zoning Analysis.
FY 09/10 BIENNIAL BUDGET
- 335 -