Filing Land Use Petitions

When proposed development in Sandy Springs falls outside of approved land uses, it is necessary to petition the City. These petitions include Comprehensive Plan Character Area Map Amendments, Zoning Map Amendments (Rezonings), Conditional Use Permits, and Variances. Administrative decisions made by the Director can be appealed by filing an Administrative Appeal.

Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning)

A Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning) is a request to amend the Official Zoning Map from one zoning district to another, to change the boundaries of an existing zoning district, or to modify any existing condition of Rezoning. Please refer to the Table of Zoning Districts and Character Areas to learn how zoning relates to the character areas. To learn more about the process, refer to Rezoning Application Guide (2025).

Apply for a Zoning Map Amendment

Conditional Use Permit

A Conditional Use Permit is a request to change or expand an existing use identified as a conditional use or expressly requiring a Conditional Use Permit.  View the application guide: Conditional Use Permit Guide (2025).

Comprehensive Plan Character Area Map Amendment

A Comprehensive Plan Character Area Map Amendment is a request to modify the Comprehensive Plan. It is required prior to a Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning) where the proposed zoning is not allowed in the applicable Character Area. Please refer to the Table of Zoning Districts and Character Areas to read more about the zoning as it relates to the character areas. To get the full breadth of the process, refer to Character Area Map Amendment Guide (2025). 

Apply for a Character Area Map Amendment

Variance Requests

A Variance is a request for relief from specific requirements of the City of Sandy Springs Development Code.

Variance Application Guide (2025) 

Apply for a Variance

The types of variances that may be requested include the following:

General Variance

A request for relief from the provisions of the Development Code where, due to exceptional conditions, strict application of the Code would create a hardship on the property owner. Refer to the Board of Appeals Schedule (2025) to see the public hearing schedule. 

Stream Buffer Variance

A request for relief from the requirements regulating stream buffers as outlined in the Development Code. Refer to the Board of Appeals Schedule (2025) to see the public hearing schedule. 

Stream Buffer Guide (2025)

Administrative Variance

A request for relief of up to ten percent (10%) from any quantitative standard of the Development Code, subject to authorization by the Director.

Administrative Variance Guide (2025)

Noise Variance

A request for relief from the provisions of the City’s noise ordinance.

Administrative Appeal 

An Administrative Appeal in the City of Sandy Springs offers individuals or entities the opportunity to appeal administrative decisions made by the Director, specifically related to planning, zoning, and development matters. This process is established under Article 9 and Article 11 of the Development Code. When someone disagrees with an administrative determination, such as how regulations or zoning codes have been interpreted or applied, they may formally request that the Board of Appeals review and consider overturning or modifying that decision. 

You can view Board of Appeal agendas on the Public Meetings website. An event category filter can be used to view the Board of Appeals schedule.

Fee Schedule

The Planning and Zoning Fee Schedule can be used to look up fees related to modifications to permitted land use.

For additional information, please contact the Planning & Zoning Division at pz@sandyspringsga.gov or 770-730-5600.