Community Development Department

Milton’s Community Development Department is dedicated to providing citizens with the highest quality development and preservation of natural resources through protection of Milton’s rural character in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan.

The department evaluates issues relative to development occurring within Milton.

Important information related to COVID-19

While City Hall offices are closed to the public, the building’s front lobby is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for those wishing to submit plans and permit applications.

Please place all documents in the bin located in the City Hall lobby. When you do, applicants must write their name and provide other needed information on the submittal list that’s on the table next to the bin. You’re welcome to call 678-242-2545 – the number for the Community Development Department’s front desk staff – after submitting your plans. 

Unfortunately, the City is not currently set up for digital plan reviews.  City staff, however, are working on a digital review system. Once this is available, we will let the public know.

Generally, City staff take approximately 10-15 business days to review and issue comments on a given application. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, we are taking additional steps as per the public health guidance that may lead to a longer timeframe.

City staff are not retrieving hard copies immediately after they are dropped off, for example. But all plans and applications will be picked up and reviewed. For new building permit and land development applications, it is taking us approximately 20 business days to process the applications and issue the comments/permits. For second and additional submissions, it is taking us approximately 10-15 business days for review.

Staff members are working in the office periodically and telecommuting at other times. Please do not hesitate to contact  if you have any questions; click HERE for details on who to contact for particular matters and how to reach them.

Staff resources are divided into the following areas:

Planning and Zoning

Planning staff is primarily responsible for long-range planning and administering of the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations and applicable sections of the Milton Code of Ordinances. Responsibilities include rezoning requests, zoning modifications, use permits, variance requests, sign permitting and business license review for zoning. 

In addition, this area of the Community Development Department works closely with land development and permtting and inspections to address the many aspects of the plan review process.

The routine functions of the Planning and Zoning division include but are not limited to the following:

• Taking public inquiries regarding zoning, special uses, buffers, development regulations, master plans and land use.
• Reviewing plans for compliance with zoning and other requirements.
• Issuing zoning certification letters.
• Issuing temporary use approvals.
• Preparing staff analysis for public hearing applications.
• Preparing public hearing information and/or packets for the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Design Review Board and City Council.
• Preparing legal ads, posting signage at properties and mailing notices for public hearings.
• Preparing action reports from board and commission meetings

Permitting and Inspections

Permitting and inspections staff issues permits and conducts inspections for all construction according to the 2006 International Construction Codes with Georgia amendments as approved by Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

Development Review

Development review staff conducts reviews of grading and land disturbance plans, as well as inspections for soil erosion and development compliance. Land development staff provides inspections for land disturbance activities that require permits from the Community Development Department, including grading permits, land disturbance permits and coordination of the development permit process.

Development review staff facilitates a safe, attractive and sustainable community by: Working in partnership to build a safe and beautiful city while preserving Milton's unique heritage; sharing knowledge through education and technology to encourage innovative development and design solutions; and providing and maintaining a safe, fulfilling and enriching environment for staff that encourages open communication and participation.

Community Development Department staff also provides support to Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Design Review Board, Historic Preservation Commission and City Council, as well as many advisory and stakeholder committees.

Department Goals

Promote growth management strategies to guide the city’s land use, transportation, infrastructure and economic development decisions that provide long-term quality of life and preserve rural heritage.

Provide sound and timely advice to internal and external customers regarding the planning process and best land-use planning principles.

Continuously seek input into the planning process from stakeholders, including citizens, real estate developers, other government agencies and utility providers.

Promote quality growth that enhances each new development and encourages preservation of historic areas and green space.

Require environmentally responsible and sustainable measures to protect natural resources.