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Welcome to the Community Development Department
The Community Development Department's goal is to promote and protect the City of Brookhaven through the use of smart planning practices, while providing professional and efficient customer service. We are responsible for working with the residents of Brookhaven, Boards and Commissions, the development community and the elected officials while managing current and long-range planning, land development, building construction,and code compliance.
From 12:01 a.m. on March 27, 2013 until midnight on June 25, 2013, there shall be a complete moratorium on the City’s acceptance, review and processing of any new applications for amendments to the text of the Brookhaven-Peachtree Overlay District, official zoning map amendments, comprehensive land use plan amendments, variances, administrative variances, special exceptions, special land use permits, land disturbance permits, new building permits, new land development permits, new clearing or grading permits, and any and all new permits or licenses related to the development of land for property located within the Brookhaven-Peachtree Overlay District, as specifically described in Brookhaven City Code section 27-728.15.3, within the municipal boundaries of the City of Brookhaven as specifically described in House Bill 636.
This moratorium becomes effective at 12:01 a.m. on March 27, 2013.
This moratorium shall expire at midnight on June 25, 2013, and be of no force and effect, unless shortened or extended by an official action of the City Council of the City of Brookhaven.
Map of the Brookhaven Overlay District
Code Compliance
Code Compliance focuses on the compliance with all city codes and ordinances that may effect the City’s quality of life, its aesthetics and the welfare of its residents. They address a wide range of issues that effect the environment, health, safety, property values and general well-being of Brookhaven. Code Compliance is recognized by government leaders as necessary to prevent the deterioration of our surroundings and enhance the quality of life. The objective of code compliance is to obtain voluntary compliance. Prosecuting a code violation is the least efficient way to guarantee an improved community. Therefore, education and guidance are the primary services rendered by a Code Compliance Officer.
Common Violations include:
- Abandoned / Junk Vehicles
- Accumulation of rubbish or garbage
- Disposal of garbage
- Illegal Signs
- Zoning Violations
- Overgrown Grass / Weeds
- Illegal Home Occupation
Raoul Newman, Code Compliance Manager
404-637-0570
raoul.newman@brookhavenga.gov
Brian Reed, Code Compliance & Planning
404-637-0574
brian.reed@brookhavenga.gov
Permits & Applications
When do I Need a Building Permit?
The best way to find out if you need a permit is to call your local Community Development department. The staff is there to serve the public by providing information about safety and understanding of your local building codes. Permit requirements are as follows:
Under Chapter 8 of the City of Brookhaven’s ordinance; Any owner or authorized agent who intends to erect, construct, install, enlarge alter, repair, move, remove, convert, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to or replace any electrical gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to and obtain the required permit.
Typical Work that Requires a Building Permit
- New buildings
- Additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms, etc.)
- Residential work (installing or replacing; decks, garages, fireplaces, pools, etc.)
- Commercial Work (moving walls, changing doors or exits, electrical, plumbing and HVAC alterations, changing occupancy use of a business)
- Renovations (garage conversions, finishing a basement, kitchen expansions, removing and replacing wall finish materials or moving walls, replacing roofing materials, etc.)
- Electrical systems (services, replacing electrical conductors and rewiring etc.)
- Plumbing systems (replacement of water heaters, water lines and drains, etc.)
- HVAC (heating, ventilating and air-conditioning) systems
What are the benefits of having a building permit?
Increased Value -- Your home or business is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by your community, the value of your investment could be reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and inspections. If you decide to sell a home or building that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to tear down the addition, leave it unoccupied or do costly repairs.
Protection -- A property owner who can show that code requirements were strictly and consistently met, as demonstrated by a code official's carefully maintained records, has a strong ally if something happens to trigger a potentially destructive lawsuit or insurance claim. The CODE is a set of rules that meet MINIMUM standards for safety, health, and structural integrity.
Safety -- Your permit also allows the code official to protect you and the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and ensuring public health, safety and welfare. By following code guidelines, your completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, your friends or future owners.
Where do I get a permit?
Our office is located at 200 Ashford Center Parkway, Suite 150 in Atlanta, and our staff is ready to assist you however possible.
It is our honor and pleasure to work for the citizens here, promoting and ensuring everyone’s safety and well being.
After the permit request is submitted, the City will normally take up to 10 business days to review the plans and permit documents, after which time either a permit will be issued or comments will be provided to the applicant. If review comments are provided, the applicant may resubmit the plans and permit request when all of the comments are addressed. The City will then have up to 10 business days to review the updated plans and related documents. The turn around time for resubmittals is normally faster than the original submittal.
The Community Development Department is committed to working diligently to provide thorough and complete plan reviews on a timely basis.
What are the types of permits?
Residential Projects
Singular trade (e.g. water heater, mechanical replacement, electrical work, roof replacement) - These are usually over the counter, walk in permits and are issued the same day.
Multiple trades (e.g. a new house, a remodeling job, an addition) - Two sets of architectural plans should be submitted for review, including any engineered documentation such as truss drawings. Plans must be to scale, legible and show both existing conditions and proposed conditions.
Commercial Projects
Singular trade (e.g. water heater, mechanical replacement, electrical work, roof replacement) - These are often over the counter, walk in permits and may be issued the same day.
Multiple trades (e.g. as a new office building, a remodeling job, an addition) - Three sets of architectural plans will be needed for review, including MEPs and any engineered documentation. Plans must be to scale and legible and show existing conditions as well as proposed conditions.
If this is a food establishment, the applicant will need to take one additional set to the DeKalb Health Department. Applicant will take three sets to the DeKalb Fire Marshal’s office and upon their approval will return with two stamped (by the fire marshal) sets to our office where we will then review them.
Contacts
Michael Nier, Building Official
404-637-0568
michael.nier@brookhavenga.gov
Brian Reed, Code Compliance & Planning
404-637-0574
brian.reed@brookhavenga.gov
Forms
- Administrative Permit
- Building Permit Application
- Component Permit Application
- Permanent Sign Permit Application
- Rezoning Application
- Site Demo Permit Application
- Special Event Permit Application
- Temporary Sign Permit Application
- Tree Removal Application
- Variance & Special Exception Application
Planning and Zoning
A site plan will need to be submitted to the planning department for review to verify compliance with all zoning and development requirements.
Contact
Howard Koontz, AICP, City Planner
404-637-0564
howard.koontz@brookhavenga.gov
Land Development
A site plan and related land disturbance plans will need to be submitted for engineering review and compliance with the best management practices regulated by the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation on Commission (GSWCC). Any projects involving land disturbance are required to obtain a permit (LDP) from the City of Brookhaven prior to such activity. Water and Sewer improvements are handled by DeKalb County.
Contacts
Rich Edinger, Plan Review Engineer
404-637-0566
rich.edinger@brookhavenga.gov
James Bassett, Permit Manager
404-637-0576
james.bassett@brookhavenga.gov
