Regulations,  Codes & Checklists

Code of Ordinances

The Code of Ordinances was established and adopted in order to:

• Promote the health, safety, morals, convenience, order, prosperity, and the general welfare of the present and future inhabitants of the city
• Lessen congestion in the streets
• Secure safety from fire and panic and provide adequate light and air
• Prevent the overcrowding of land, avoiding both undue concentration of population and urban sprawl
• Facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewage, schools, parks, and other public requirements
• Protect property against blight and depreciation
• Encourage the most appropriate use of land, buildings, and other structures throughout the city
• Secure economy in government expenditures

Unified Development Ordinance

The Mayor and Council adopted a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which combines zoning and land development regulations into one document.

Architectural and Site Designs Standards

The Architectural and Site Design Standards were created in 2006 to guide the future development of Norcross within the downtown and Buford Highway area. They are not regulations, but rather professional guidance and direction to assure that new infill development and modifications to existing development are appropriate.

Approved Exterior Paint Palette for Use in Historic District

Vacant Property Registration

On March 4, 2013 the Vacant Property Registration Ordinance was passed and requires that owners of all vacant or unoccupied properties within the city limits register these properties. Submit the completed form along with a $100 registration fee to the Community Development Department at:

Norcross Community Development Department

65 Lawrenceville Street

Norcross, GA 30071

Development Permit Process and Checklists

Any land disturbance in excess of 5,000 square feet or any land disturbance of any size on a property with a State Water must obtain a development permit from the City of Norcross. Please access the following links to download information on the development process in the City of Norcross and technical checklists associated with the development of construction plans. 

For information on the design of water and sewer utilities, please reference the checklists located on the Gwinnett County Water and Sewer website. The City of Norcross has adopted Gwinnett County's Stormwater Management Manual for stormwater regulation within the City Limits.

The City of Norcross has adopted the Gwinnett County Unified Development Code, Title 1, and Title 3, latest edition, for the development and subdivision standards not specifically outlined in City ordinances.

Projects that require a development permit with a disturbed area of more than one acre need to be reviewed by the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Please link to the Region 3 GSWCC website for Plan Review and Submittal information.

Finalizing a construction project is marked by the obtaining of a Certificate of Occupancy or the recording of a Final Plat through the City. The City uses these processes to insure that the applicant has complied with applicable ordinances during the construction phase. The following package provides information on required documentation and forms in order to close out the construction phase:

If you are planning a solar installation, LEED, Earth Craft, Energy Star or WaterSense project you qualify for expedited permitting and inspections. Click here for more information!