What is the Role of Development Services within the Department of Watershed Management (DWM)? Development Services is a division in the Office of Watershed Protection in the Department of Watershed Management. The Development Services Division plays an integral role in the City of Atlanta’s development process.
For more on “When do I need a permit?” visit the Office of Buildings website at www.atlantaga.gov/ government/departments/cityplanning/office-of-buildings or call 404-330-6150.
The role of Development Services is to provide seamless support for compliance with our design standards and regulations, to make sure that the required permits are obtained for water and sewer connections, stormwater management, erosion and sediment control. Development Services assists both commercial and residential customers in cases where land, buildings, or property will be developed, expanded, or relocated. The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management’s goal is to deliver highlyeffective customer service and outreach to all classes of customers through the use of technology and proactive communication.
Permit Process When a customer comes in for a Building or Land Development permit in the City of Atlanta, the Office of Zoning Development begins the review process. A building or land development permit is issued by the City when submitted plans and supporting documentation meet the minimum standards of the building code and other applicable City ordinances.
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For plans requiring new sewer service, DWM’s Office of Engineering Services will review the capacity of the existing sewer system serving that location as part of the plan review process. For new water service, the applicant will work with the Office of Engineering Services and the Office of Customer Care and Billing Services to obtain approval and a water meter. A $2,000 deposit is required as a deposit towards the purchase and installation of a water meter.
Development Services Review & Approval Process The process includes seven steps:
Intake
1. Intake – The customer submits a permit package, including supporting documentation.
Routing
2. Routing – Based on the scope of the project, the application package is distributed to one or more divisions for review. 3. Plan Review – The application package is reviewed for ordinance compliance and to ensure the applicable permits are obtained. 4. Plan Approval – Plans have been reviewed and accepted, permits have been identified, and costs are assessed. 5. Permit Issuance – Permits are issued, and the applicant is now eligible to apply for a water meter. 6. Inspections – Compliance inspections are conducted. 7. Project Completion – A certificate of occupancy or a certificate of completion is issued by the Office of Buildings.
Based on the scope of the project, the application package is distributed to one or more divisions for review
Site
Arborist
Water
Traffic
Sewer
Sanitation
Plan Review and Approval
Permit Issued Project Inspection Project Completion
Once a permit (building or land development) is issued, a pre-construction meeting is held onsite with the Environmental and Construction Enforcement section of the Department of Watershed Management. During construction, the following inspections by DWM staff may take place: • Erosion and Sediment Control Compliance • Sewer Connections • Water Meter • Stormwater Management and Green Infrastructure • Flow Testing Once construction is complete and the work meets City standards per the final inspection, a certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion is issued. Note: If a water meter was installed, the water/ sewer account has to be activated before the certificate of occupancy is issued.
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