Zoning District Descriptions

General Agriculture (GA)

This district is established to protect and to preserve agricultural and forest resources and associated rural characteristics by allowing only low density residential uses, farming, animal husbandry, forestry, saw milling, and other similar uses upon lots or parcels not less than five (5) acres. Provided the applicable lot or parcel conforms to all requirements herein, no more than two (2) single-family detached dwelling units per lot or parcel shall be allowed in this district. Under certain conditions as set forth hereinafter, an accessory structure may contain tools, currently tagged vehicles and/or equipment utilized in the trade or business occupation of the person or persons occupying the principal dwelling structure thereon.

General Agriculture (GA) Cond

Same as above with conditions. For Conditional Zoning List click here

Suburban Agriculture (SA)

This district is established as a transitional district for low density residential uses in conjunction with typical agricultural pursuits primarily for the residents living there, including, but not limited to the growing of food, flowers, the raising of chickens, and the tending of horses and cattle for personal pleasure. Lots and parcels in this district shall be not less than three (3) acres. Only one (1) single family dwelling unit per lot shall be allowed in this district. Under certain conditions as set forth hereinafter, an accessory structure may contain tools, currently tagged vehicles and/or equipment utilized in the trade or business occupation of the person or persons occupying the principal dwelling structure thereon.

Suburban Agriculture (SA) Cond

Same as above with conditions. For a list of parcels with Conditional Zoning click here

Estate Residential (R-1)

This district is established to preserve open space in both urban and rural environments and typically rural environments by encouraging larger than average lot formats of at least one (1) acre or more for low density single family detached dwellings in excess of one thousand five hundred (1,500) square feet heated floor area. There shall be no manufactured or mobile homes within this district, in order to maintain the traditional residential character of such districts. Only one (1) single family dwelling unit per lot shall be allowed in this district.

Estate Residential (R-1) Cond

Same as above with conditions. For a list of parcels with Conditional Zoning click here

Low Density Single Family Residential (R-2)

This district is established to protect single family detached dwellings, including typical residential subdivisions, on lots of not less than twenty-seven thousand five hundred (27,500) square feet if served by on-site sewage management systems and not less than fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet if served by public sewer or an approved central on-site sewage management system. All dwellings in this district shall contain in excess of one thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet of heated floor area upon a permanent foundation and shall have the electrical meter base serving such dwelling attached directly to such dwelling. There shall be no manufactured or mobile homes within this district in order to maintain the traditional residential character of such districts. If served by on-site sewage management system, the lots in this district shall conform at least with the minimum standards for lot sizes as promulgated by the Health Department or other authority having proper jurisdiction over such minimum lot sizes, as amended from time to time. Only one (1) dwelling unit per lot shall be allowed in this district.

Low Density Single Family Residential (R-2) Cond

Same as above with conditions. For a list of parcels with Conditional Zoning click here

Medium Density Single Family Residential (R-3)

This district is established to protect single-family detached dwellings, typically within a more urban atmosphere, including residential subdivisions, on smaller lots of not less than seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square feet and which are served by public sewer or an approved central on-site sewage management system. All dwellings in this district shall contain not less than one thousand (1,000) square feet of heated floor area. There shall be no manufactured or mobile homes within this district, in order to maintain the traditional residential character of such districts. Only one (1) dwelling unit per lot shall be allowed in this district.

Medium Density Single Family Residential (R-3) Cond

Same as above with conditions. For a list of parcels with Conditional Zoning click here

Zero Lot Line Residential (R-4)

This district is established for single family detached dwellings, configured upon "zero lot lines," which may be located upon lots at a density of up to ten (10) dwellings per acre, exclusive of right-of-ways or other restrictive easements. Any such lots must be served by public sewer or an approved central on-site sewage management system. Such districts encourage the creation of compatible open spaces for enjoyment by several surrounding dwellings. There shall be no manufactured or mobile homes within this district, in order to maintain the traditional residential character of such districts. Only one (1) dwelling unit per lot shall be allowed in this district.

Zero Lot Line Residential (R-4) Cond

Same as above with conditions. For a list of parcels with Conditional Zoning click here

Rural Residential (R-5)

This district is established to protect single family detached dwellings, including typical residential subdivision development of all varieties of housing stock, and duplexes. Manufactured housing in this district shall remove all wheels and the tongue (or hitch,) so as to maintain the site-built residential character of the district. The lots in this zoning district that are served by on-site sewage management systems shall conform at least with the minimum standards for lot sizes as promulgated by the Health Department or other authority having proper jurisdiction over such minimum lot sizes, as amended from time to time. The lots in this zoning district that are served by public sewer or an approved central on-site sewage management system shall be not less than seven thousand five-hundred (7,500) square feet for a single family dwelling and not less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet for a duplex. Only one (1) principal structure, containing two (2) dwelling units or less, per lot shall be allowed in this district. Under certain conditions as set forth hereinafter, an accessory structure may contain tools, currently tagged vehicles and/or equipment utilized in the trade or business occupation of the person or persons occupying the principal dwelling structure thereon.

Rural Residential (R-5) Cond

Same as above with conditions. For a list of parcels with Conditional Zoning click here

Transitional Residential (R-6)

This district is established as a transition residential district of either medium or high density, which may accommodate dwellings such as single family detached dwellings, individual manufactured homes, duplexes, triplexes, or four-plexes only. No more than one (1) principal structure per lot, containing not more than one (1) four unit building shall be allowed in this district.

Transitional Residential (R-6) Cond

Same as above with conditions. For a list of parcels with Conditional Zoning click here

High Density Residential Residential (R-7)

This district is established as a high density residential district allowing as many as twenty (20) dwelling units per acre. Multiple structures per lot shall be permitted in this district. Because of the increased density allowed in this district, any such lots must be served by public sewer or an approved central on-site sewage management system.

High Density Residential (R-7) Cond

Same as above with conditions. For a list of parcels with Conditional Zoning click here

Planned Unit Development (PUD)

This district is established to permit greater flexibility and more imaginative design for the development of compatible, multi-use residential and neighborhood commercial land uses on a scale larger than not less than fifteen (15) acres. The PUD district is intended to promote an orderly and harmonious variety of housing options, along with higher levels of amenities and preservation of open space. To be considered for the PUD district, a full and complete application for rezoning shall include a preliminary site plan. Establishing a PUD district requires the implementation and adherence to the approved site plan as required by: 1) these regulations; 2) any other applicable regulations; or 3) any conditions resulting from the review process. Once submitted, if there are any material alterations to the site plan, the altered site plan shall be resubmitted.

Planned Unit Development (PUD) Cond

Same as above with conditions. For a list of parcels with Conditional Zoning click here

Mixed Use (MU)

This transition district is established to provide for appropriate mixed use opportunities on parcels smaller than those required for the PUD district. Typically, such uses would include apartment or condominium style multi-family housing situated above compatible retail/ service commercial or light manufacturing uses that are intended to serve such residents and the general public. However, the use(s) may also be entirely commercial or light manufacturing, creating more flexibility with respect to access, setbacks, etc., as shown on an approved site plan. To be considered for the MU district, a full and complete application for rezoning shall include a preliminary site plan. Establishing a MU district requires the implementation and adherence to the approved site plan as required by: 1) these regulations; 2) any other applicable regulations; or 3) any conditions resulting from the review process. Once submitted, if there are any material alterations to the site plan, the altered site plan shall be resubmitted.

Mixed Use (MU) Cond

Same as above with conditions. For a list of parcels with Conditional Zoning click here

Neighborhood Commercial (C-1)

This district is established to provide for limited retail activities and personal or professional services designed to serve the convenience needs of nearby neighborhoods. The size of the buildings and parking allowed in this district are limited to create minimal negative impact upon nearby neighborhoods. This district allows uses which will result in a minimum of traffic from outside the surrounding neighborhoods.

Neighborhood Commercial (C-1) Cond

Same as above with conditions. For a list of parcels with Conditional Zoning click here

Limited Commercial (C-1A)

This transitional district is established to provide for specific limited commercial uses, including professional service establishments, often conducted within structures converted from residential uses.

Limited Commercial (C-1A) Cond

Same as above with conditions. For a list of parcels with Conditional Zoning click here

General Commercial (C-2)

This district is established to provide for and to encourage appropriate development along collector and arterial thoroughfares, which includes the broadest mix of commercial retail and service uses with associated storage capabilities, and other commercial activities which will both accommodate the needs of residents and those of the traveling public. Shopping centers and large retail stores would be common, along with a host of supporting commercial uses.

General Commercial (C-2) Cond

Same as above with conditions. For a list of parcels with Conditional Zoning click here

Central Business District (C-3)

The central business district is the historic center of town, city, or community for commercial retail and service uses, financial institutions, office, and government uses, with limited residential uses. This district would typically be characterized by shared parking and loading, and by buildings occupying most, if not all, of the lot or parcel on which it is located. The central business district defines the core activity center around which the community has historically developed.

Central Business District (C-3) Cond

Same as above with conditions. For a list of parcels with Conditional Zoning click here

Transitional Commercial (C-4)

This district is considered an expansion and transitional area out from the central business district, allowing uses similar to those allowed in the central business district, but with conventional lot designs, requiring off street parking and loading, and typical setbacks. This district is envisioned to accommodate lower traffic, lower visibility commercial operations that are nonetheless near the Central Business District.

Transitional Commercial (C-4) Cond

Same as above with conditions. For a list of parcels with Conditional Zoning click here

Light Manufacturing (M-1)

This district is established to act as a transition between heavy industrial uses and other commercial or residential uses by providing for industrial activities which are more limited in scope, size, or negative impacts upon surrounding properties. Permitted uses in this district will create a minimum of environmental pollution in the form of traffic, noise, odors, smoke, fumes, glare, or heat.

Light Manufacturing (M-1) Cond

Same as above with conditions. For a list of parcels with Conditional Zoning click here

Heavy Manufacturing (M-2)

This district is established to provide suitable areas for general industrial, carpet manufacturing, distribution, or warehousing activities and/or other intensive activities of industrial nature which may generate external traffic and may include moderate amounts of environmental pollution in the form of traffic, noise, odors, smoke, fumes, glare, or heat.

Heavy Manufacturing (M-2) Cond

Same as above with conditions. For a list of parcels with Conditional Zoning click here

Urban Planned Unit Development (U-PUD)

This district is established to provide a fully designed residential and limited commercial community of no more than eight (8) acres. The U-PUD district is intended to maintain a high quality, walkable, safe environment, in keeping with traditional patterns of neighborhood development. Preliminary and specific land use development plans and site plats shall be submitted and approved by regulatory staff prior to filing a rezoning application. Once approved by the applicable Governing Authority, the development plan shall not be altered without repeating the process for initial approval. The parcels intended for this zoning district must be solely contained within the boundaries of the Dalton Urbanized Area as defined by the United States Census Bureau using the most recent decennial Census data. The parcels may also be outside the Dalton Urbanized Area but within the interior boundary formed by I-75 and the portion of Georgia State Route 3 sometimes known as the North/South Bypass.