Frequently Asked Questions

• Land Development
• Plan Review
• Tree
• Building
• Planning & Zoning
• Signs
• Code Enforcement

Land Development FAQs

How do I report un-permitted land disturbance?

Call City of Milton at 678.242.2500 and ask for a Development inspector.

When do I need a Grading Permit/Development Permit?

Any activity that disturbs more than 0.10 acres of land (5,000 sq. ft.) or is within 200 feet of state waters or lake will require a Land Disturbance Permit.

Can you make a copy of my property or subdivision plan?

Yes, if the Community Development Department has a plat or a reference to the plat. Please contact the City Clerk’s office at 678.242.2500 and ask for an Open Records Request.

How can I obtain a copy of the City of Milton standard construction specifications?

The City's Community Development Department has copies of the construction specifications as well as a plan review checklist, details, buffer regulations, and storm water regulations.

Does the City maintain detention ponds?

No. Detention pond maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner or homeowners association.

What width are the City's stream buffers?

A stream buffer is a vegetated area, including trees, shrubs and herbaceous vegetation, which exists or is established to protect a stream system, lake, reservoir or coastal estuarine area. Stream buffers are 50 feet as measured from the bank of the stream with and additional 25 feet impervious set back.

What activities are permitted within stream buffers?

Alteration of this natural area is strictly limited; however, some types of activities are permitted within the undisturbed portion of the stream buffers. Property owners may conduct some selective thinning or trimming provided a protective vegetative cover is left to preserve water quality and aquatic habitat. Additionally, a natural canopy must remain to shade the stream bed. Mechanized removal, i.e. bobcats, bulldozers, chain saws, etc., of vegetative cover is not permitted. * Please check with the Community Development Department before disturbing any stream buffer.*

Who do I contact for a sanitary sewer emergency?

If the problem is on private property, contact a reputable plumbing company. If you suspect that the problem is in the main line, contact the Fulton County Public Works Department at 770.640.3061.

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Plan Review FAQs

Do I need to make an appointment?

No, applications are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-ins are welcome, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. One-stop meetings, however, with plan reviewers are by appointment only on Wednesdays 2-5 p.m.

Do I have to pay a fee?

There are plan review fees for most submittals. These fees vary depending on the type of application. Fees may be paid by check, money order or credit card. All checks/money orders should be made payable to the City of Milton.

How do I submit plans?

Land Development Flowchart
Building Review Flowchart

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Tree FAQs

Why do we need a Tree Protection Ordinance?

A tree protection ordinance will protect individual trees of exceptional value and will cultivate and encourage a high level of tree preservation for the benefit for the City of Milton and its citizens.

What is a specimen tree?

A specimen tree is any tree in fair or better condition which equals or exceeds the following diameter sizes.

Tree Type	Diameter	Examples
Large hardwoods	27' d.b.h.	Oak, hickory, yellow poplar, sweetgum, etc.
Large hardwoods	24' d.b.h.	Beech
Large softwoods	24' d.b.h.	Pine, Deodar cedar
Small native flowering	10' d.b.h.	Dogwood, redbud, sourwood

Do I need a permit to remove trees on my residential property?

Approval from the city arborist is required to remove a specimen tree or trees planted as a condition of zoning or permitting. The removal of trees other than those previously stated is allowed as long as it does not bring the tree density for the site below the required density and does not encroach into any buffers. For undeveloped property, no removal shall occur without the consent of the city arborist. For more information, contact the city arborist at 678.242.2500.

What about a commercial property?

Tree removal from a commercial site will require a site visit from the city arborist to verify site conditions.

What are the penalties?

Illegal removal of a tree can lead to an on-the-spot fine of up to $1,000 for each tree and recompense tree plantings may be required.

I want a better view of the lake. Can I remove the trees to obtain that view?

There is a 50ft stream buffer/state waters requirement that must be adhered to. No disturbance within the buffer is allowed. Violators could be subject to penalties from the City of Milton and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

Using a tree care company: Questions for you to ask the vendor

Does the company have current workers compensation as well as personal and property damage insurance?
Is the company a member of a professional organization such as the International Society of Arboriculture?
Does the company employ ISA certified arborist?
Does the company have references for similar work performed?
Will the company be responsible for the disposal of all limbs and debris? If a tree is being removed, will the stump be removed and cleaned up?

ALWAYS USE A PROFESSIONAL AND REPUTABLE TREE SERVICE COMPANY WHICH HAS A CERTIFIED ARBORIST ON STAFF. MAKE SURE THEY ARE AWARE OF THE CITY OF MILTON TREE ORDINANCE SINCE YOU, THE PROPERTY OWNER, WILL BE ISSUED A CITATION SHOULD A VIOLATION OCCUR. BE WARY OF THE HIGH PRESSURE SALES PITCH. (We will only be in the neighborhood TODAY; it&'s a hazard, must be taken out NOW; there is no ordinance; permit not required; etc).

For further information, contact the City of Milton arborist at 678.242.2500.

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Building FAQs

What is a permit?

A permit is an agreement between the City and the applicant whereby the applicant agrees to follow the City codes and the Land Use code. The applicant must submit plans to show what he or she intends to do. For some projects, the plans may require preparation by a licensed architect or engineer registered by the State of Georgia. When the plans are approved, the construction must conform to the plan. Any deviations or changes from these plans cannot be approved in the field.

Why do I need a permit?

A permit ensures that the Community Development department will inspect the work. The inspector may discover faulty materials, deviations from the approved plans or violations of the building codes and land use codes that may result in an unsafe or hazardous conditions. It is a violation of City ordinance not to have a permit when work is being done. Failure to obtain a permit may result in a "stop work order" and/or citation.

How much does a permit cost?

The City of Milton uses the 1997 Uniform Administrative Code for its fees. The building portion is based on the valuation of the project. The mechanical, plumbing and electrical fees are based on the number of items installed such as plumbing fixtures, air conditioner units and electrical outlets. Wall permits are based on the height and linear footage of the wall. Exact fees are available after plans are reviewed. For further information please contact the City at 678.242.2500 and ask for the Permit Counter.

Where can I get a permit and who is responsible for obtaining a permit?

An application for permit is submitted at the Community Development department's permitting counter. We are located at 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107F. Hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The homeowner or contractor can submit the application for a permit but it is the responsibility of the homeowner/property owner to ensure a permit is secured and posted on the job site.

What are my responsibilities after obtaining a permit?

Once a permit has been obtained from the Community Development department's building division there are certain responsibilities placed on the homeowner and/or contractor. The homeowner is responsible for obtaining the permit for the proposed project and for posting it on the site. The individual doing the work covered by the permit must call for inspection prior to covering or concealing work. When a permit is issued, a sheet will be given to you listing the common required inspections.

Where do I get forms?

Forms are posted on our Web site or obtained from our office (Permit Counter.) Any other forms that are used will be rejected.

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Planning and Zoning FAQs

Can you provide information on a particular parcel of property?

Yes, in many cases. Contact the Community Development Department for zoning information or the Finance Department for property tax information at 678.242.2500.

Where can I find City of Milton Zoning Ordinance?

You can locate the City of Milton Zoning Ordinance from the Community Development page under Zoning Ordinance.

How do I apply for a rezoning?

Applicants must complete the rezoning application form, which can be found under Forms.

What is a Variance and who can submit a Variance to?

A variance applicant requests relief from the standards of the zoning ordinance except relief from use, minimum lot area, or minimum lot frontage. Any person may submit an application to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a variance from the provision of the Milton Zoning Ordinance.

How do I obtain a Zoning Certification Letter?

Zoning Certification Letters are issued for $30. The requester must provide two forms of property identification including legal description of property, property address, tax parcel ID, survey, or zoning case.

Where can I get maps?

You may download City of Milton maps from our Web site under the Maps link, or you may purchase a color 16 x 24 map for $15. Council District, Zoning and Street maps are available. Contact the Community Development Department for purchase.

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Signs FAQs

Where can I find City of Milton Sign Ordinance?

You can locate the City of Milton Sign Ordinance (Article 33) from the Community Development page under Zoning Ordinance.

Why must I submit a site plan to permit a sign?

When permitting a freestanding sign it is necessary for staff to verify that the proposed location for the sign is on the subject property and that the sign meets the required setback. For wall signs, a site plan is necessary to determine the location of the particular building or tenant space.

How long does it take to receive my Permanent Sign Permit?

As long as no variances are being requested, permanent signs are permitted administratively. After you have submitted all the required information, staff has 30 days to approve or deny your sign. Depending on workload, staff can typically approve a permanent sign permit within 10 business days.

Where do I place the Permanent Sign Permit sticker?

You should place the sign permit sticker in the lower right hand area so that it will be easily viewed when the sign is inspected. You should keep the copy of the approved permit application, provided by staff, in your records.

How long does my Permanent Sign Permit last?

Once the Permanent Sign Permit has been issued, you will have six months to install the sign. After six months, if the proposed sign has not been installed, you will be required to apply for a new sign permit. Under special circumstances one 90-day extension may be granted. Once a permanent sign has been permitted and installed, the sign permit is good for as long as the sign is maintained in good, safe working order and meets the requirements of the code.

What if I want to move my current sign to a new location?

Permanent Sign Permits are specific to a location. If you have a permit for your current sign and you want to move it from one location to another, you will need a new permit. Staff will review the dimensional and technical aspects of your existing sign to ensure that it complies with the Sign Ordinance requirements specific in the new location.

What type of variances can I seek in the Sign Ordinance?

The Board of Zoning Appeals can only grant a sign variance where existing foliage or structures bring about a hardship whereby a sign meeting minimum letter size, square footage and height requirements cannot be read from an adjoining public road.

Can I put a sign up at the entrance to my farm?

One maximum 32-square-foot, freestanding sign per business or institutional lot shall be permitted for each street on which the lot has frontage.

Are yard sale signs allowed?

Each residence may display up to 12 square feet of signage with no single sign greater than 4 square feet. There are no restrictions on the content of these signs.

Can I put up a sign on my property during construction?

One sign shall be allowed during construction. The sign may be externally illuminated, shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and five feet in height, and shall be allowed beginning with the commencement of construction and ending with the issuance of the last Certificate of Occupancy or two years, whichever one shall first occur. Thereafter, the permitee may reply for a renewal permit subject to same termination conditions as set forth in this paragraph.

Are banners allowed?

Banners shall be allowed for a period not exceeding 10 consecutive days with no more than four such 10 consecutive day periods being permitted per calendar year. Banner shall not be more than 24 square feet. Banner shall be mounted so as to extend above the horizontal plane of the roof where the building wall and roof meet or shall not extend more than five feet above grade when on the ground. The maximum size allowed is 24 square feet.

What forms of payment are accepted?

The City accepts a check or a credit card (VISA, Mastercard, American Express.)

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Code Enforcement FAQs

How do I report a violation?

Call Code Enforcement at 678-242-2500 or print and complete a complaint form to Report a Violation.

What is a Notice of Violation?

A Notice of Violation is a form completed by a code enforcement officer when a code violation has been observed by the officer.

Why did I receive a door hanger?

A door hanger is left on property when no one was available at the property during an inspection by a code enforcement officer/inspector.

How do I report illegal dumping going on right now in the city?

Call 911 for the Milton Police.

How do I report illegal dumping that has already taken place?

Call Code Enforcement at 678.242.2500.

How do I report building without a permit?

Call the City at 678.242.2500 and ask for the Building division or Code Enforcement.

Am I responsible for pre-existing violations on a property I purchased?

Yes. The property owner is responsible.

My tenant is responsible for a code violation on the property, are they responsible for the repair?

The property owner is ultimately responsible for all repairs to their property.

What is an abandoned/junk vehicle? Is it a violation?

An abandoned/junk vehicle is any vehicle, automobile, truck or other automobile that is missing a current registration, license plate with current decal, proof of liability insurance or drive train component. Violators may be face enforcement action.

How do I report loud music, radio, loud party, etc.?

Call 911 for the Milton Police.

What are the allowable hours of construction noise?

Construction noises are allowable during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. There should be no construction generated sounds on Sundays and federal holidays.

What is a Stop Work Order?

A Stop Work Order is issued when land disturbing activity or building work is being done without a permit or when approved plan/conditions are not being followed.

Does the City of Milton have an ordinance on the number of domestic animals per acre?

Yes. Except for the areas zoned for agriculture, the maximum number of domestic animals or livestock that may be kept on any single premises shall not exceed the following (Exceptions: licensed veterinary hospitals, commercial kennels, grooming parlors, and public and commercial horse facilities):

Animal	Maximum Number
Horses, mules, asses, cows	5
Sheep, goats	10
Hogs	10
Dogs, cats	10
Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters	75
Chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, pigeons or similar fowl	75

(Please note: Square footage regulations apply for non-AG-1 zoned land.)

The full version of the Animal Control Ordinance is available online.

How do I report unsecured animals?

Please contact Fulton County’s Animal Services at 404.794.0358 or visit their Web site at www.fultonanimalservices.com.

What is the procedure for possible code violations?

The City Code Enforcement Officer will respond to all code enforcement complaints. Situations that appear to pose a serious risk to health and safety are given top priority.

For all types of code complaints, the first step is personal contact by the code enforcement officer to determine if a code violation exists and to request remediation. If the individual responsible for the situation is not available, or appears unwilling to voluntarily correct the code violation in a timely manner, a notice of violation or a citation may be issued. The City may also take court action if the situation poses a significant risk to the community or if the individual has ignored previous notices/citations.

What penalties result from code violations?

In many cases, the individual responsible for the code violation is given the opportunity to voluntarily correct the situation and comply with current codes without a penalty. If the correction is not made, the individual may be subject to a written citation with the possible result of fines and other penalties.

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