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| For the statement made by Liz Beyer, Infill Task Force Co-chair, before the BOC on Sept. 27, 2005, please click here. |
The Quality of Life Regulation Ordinance was before the DeKalb Board of Commissioners September 27. It was deferred as we requested, so the amendments could go into Chapter 27 – which allows for variances to be heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The newest draft from the DeKalb County Legal Department is based on recommendations of the Infill Task Force and will change the adoption process for the Regulations. In response to concerns by citizens and by recommendation of the Infill Task Force, some of the Regulations can become part of Chapter 27 of the DeKalb County Code of Ordinance.
As part of Chapter 27, variances requested by a developer or owner would go through the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) public review process. This process provides for public notice, posting and a public hearing, thereby informing everyone and creating an opportunity to support or object to the request. Currently, Chapter 27 does not allow for a height variance, but an exception is included to allow for application of a height variance for an infill lot.
Changes to Chapter 27 require a full cycle approval process. This includes public advertising through the official organ of the County (The Champion newspaper), a public hearing before the Planning Commission and the Board of Commissioners. This typically takes about 60 days, primarily to provide for publication in the Champion and for scheduling of hearings.
The Zoning Board of Appeals is made up of citizens appointed by the Commissioners for the purpose of hearing, and approving, denying or modifying variance requests. In ZBA hearings neighboring property owners have the opportunity to support or object to the requested variance.
The Board of Commissioners enacted a 35-day moratorium on the issuance of demolition permits during the August 23 public hearing. The moratorium expired September 27th without an extension.
We will update the website as more information is available and post the future related Planning Commission and Board of Commission hearing dates when they are confirmed.
Chapter 27 is recognized as the Zoning Ordinance for the County. Its purpose is included here for your information.