Starting a new project here in the Atlanta area may provide a sense of excitement, but it also provides numerous tasks and potential obstacles that require attention. For instance, zoning issues can be particularly tricky to deal with, especially if a request to rezone the property is contemplated. Issues could arise that may stall or even stop a project before it even has a chance to get off the ground.
For instance, a developer wanted to build an apartment complex here in Georgia, but the property needed to be rezoned for the project to move forward. Currently, the property is zoned for commercial use, and the request was to change that to multi-family residential. After hearing a presentation from the developer, the City Council in the area where the complex was to be built never even considered the request.
It was never even put to a vote. No information was provided regarding why the Fort Oglethorpe City Council barely entertained the request. It may take some digging for the developer to determine why. This is just one of the zoning obstacles that could easily derail a project. It is not known whether the Mississippi company considered looking into obtaining some local support for its request.
Understanding the law regarding zoning issues is one thing, but understanding the community may be another. Obtaining approval for rezoning here in Atlanta may be different than obtaining approval in another part of Georgia. In order to receive the best possible chance of receiving approval, it may a good idea to consult with a local attorney who routinely works on zoning issues.