Boards and Commissions

Planning Commission

The Duluth Planning Commission meets on the first and third Monday of each month at Duluth City Hall. A pre-meeting work session, which is open to the public, begins at 6:30pm and the regular session begins promptly at 7:00pm. The Planning Commission considers zoning ordinance amendments, zoning changes, land use changes, and special use permits. It may also be utilized to do research on other issues at the direction of Duluth City Council. The Planning Commission consists of five appointed members: a Chairman who is appointed by the Mayor, Vice Chairman, Secretary, two regular members, and an Alternate. The Alternate is a non-voting member, unless there is an absence at a meeting. One member of the Planning Commission also serves on the Zoning Board of Appeals. If you would like to submit information for review by the Planning Commission, please contact Bill Aiken. Click on the following links for applications for Annexation, Rezoning, Modification, or Special Use Permit.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Duluth Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Duluth City Hall. A pre-meeting work session, which is open to the public, begins at 6:30pm and the regular meeting beings promptly at 7:00pm. The ZBA considers variances, conditional use permits and appeals, and may be utilized to work on special projects at the direction of Duluth City Council. The ZBA consists of five appointed members: Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, two regular members, and an Alternate. The Alternate is a non-voting member, unless there is an absence at a meeting.

The responsibilities of the ZBA is to consider applications for Conditional Use Permits and Variances to the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance or the City’s Buffer, Landscape & Tree Ordinance. For instance, a reduction in building setback or encroachment into a buffer would be heard by the ZBA. If you would like to submit something for review by the Zoning Board of Appeals, please contact Bill Aiken. Click here for the applications for Appeal, Variance or Conditional Use Permit.

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority shall be composed of seven (7) members created and appointed by the City Council and recognized by the State of Georgia as a public corporation with a specified set of powers and a specific purpose and mission to:

Revitalize and redevelop the central business district
Develop and promote for the public good and general welfare, trade, commerce, industry, and employment opportunities
Finance projects within the central business district that will develop and promote the public good and general welfare
Issue bonds to finance projects

Four (4) members of this board must have or represent a party who has an economic interest in the redevelopment and revitalization of the downtown development area (ie own or operate a business or own property). The three remaining members must reside in the City limits of Duluth. Members are appointed for a four-year term. The Downtown Development Authority meets the third Tuesday of every month at the Duluth City Hall at 6:30pm.

Duluth Public Arts Commission

DPAC meets on the second Wednesday of each month, as needed, at 6:30pm at Duluth City Hall.

The Three Primary Goals of DPAC:
1. To promote the training, development and performance of performing arts
2. To maintain the City’s existing public art collection
3. To commission, acquire and exhibit new public works of art

The vision for the DPAC and intention of this program is to preserve the City’s heritage, enhance its character and identity, contribute to economic development and tourism, add beauty and interest to public spaces and architecture and increase opportunities for the public to experience, and participate in the arts. This will be done through the performance, acquisition and installation of world-class public art. All inquiries regarding the Duluth Public Arts Commission should be directed to the Community Development Director.