Peachtree Corners - City Services - Planning & Zoning

The most important service the city will provide is Planning & Zoning. Almost everyone is familiar with the concept of zoning. The zoning categories determine the permissible uses for a parcel of land. In general, the categories are residential, commercial (retail and restaurants), office and manufacturing/industrial. Even within these categories, properties can be restricted as to the specific type of use. The restriction is generally because of the nature of the surrounding properties. For example, a commercial property’s general zoning classification allows a gas station. But the specific zoning for that property could exclude the gas station while allowing other retail because the area around or close to the property is residential. Gwinnett County has a zoning FAQ with more information about zoning.

Zoning changes are usually requested when a property owner wants to use the land for something that is currently not permissible under the current zoning requirements for that property. We generally become aware of zoning when someone requests a change to the current zoning of a property nearby. We either see the yellow sign on the property or receive a letter in the mail. Currently, zoning changes in our community are approved by the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners. We only have one representative on the Board. The remaining decision makers have no stake in Peachtree Corners and decisions may be made that negatively impact our community.

Planning is somewhat less familiar to most citizens but critically important in assuring a community has balance between areas where people “work, live, and play.” Planning also involves determining the best direction for economic development to assure our balanced community has a diversified tax base. As rezoning requests are made, the decision on whether to approve a change is based on how the request fits into the direction for the overall area. Gwinnett County has the 2030 Unified Plan. Once Peachtree Corners becomes a city, we will also have a “Master Plan” tailored to our vision of the future of our community.

One important concept in planning and zoning is an “Overlay District”. The goal of an overlay district is “to provide enhanced aesthetic design for non-residential projects through the use of architectural design standards, increased landscaping, signage controls and streetscape design…” This description is from the resolution creating the Peachtree Corners Overlay District approved by the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners in March, 2007. The district requires the implementation of a higher, consistent standard for exterior appearance that more closely meets our needs. This does not guarantee that a variance from these standards would not be granted by the county.

By controlling Planning & Zoning, we will be able to develop our own Master Plan and determine the appropriate uses for land within our borders. As changes in zoning are requested, we will have a mayor and 6 council members who have the same stake in the decisions as the citizens of Peachtree Corners.

In our next blog, we will discuss how the Overlay District had a role in determining our borders. Please e-mail us at blog@upcca.org with any questions about city issues or suggestions for future blogs.