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.

Once a permit (building or land development) is issued, a pre-construction meeting is held on-site 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 Managementand 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.

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.

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.

The process includes seven steps: 1. Intake – The customer submits a permit package,

including supporting documentation.

2. Routing – Based on the scope of the project, theapplication package is distributed to one or moredivisions for review.

3. Plan Review – The application package is reviewedfor ordinance compliance and to ensure theapplicable permits are obtained.

4. Plan Approval – Plans have been reviewed andaccepted, 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 areconducted.

7. Project Completion – A certificate of occupancy or a certificate of completion is issued by the Office of Buildings.

Development Services Review & Approval Process

For more on “When do I need a permit?” visit the Office of Buildings website at www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/office-of-buildings or call 404-330-6150.

Permit Issued

Intake

Project Inspection

Project Completion

ArboristSite

TrafficWater

SanitationSewer

Based on the scope of the project, the application package is distributed to one

or more divisions for review

Routing

Plan Review and Approval

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 highly-effective customer service and outreach to all classes of customers through the use of technology and proactive communication.

Permit ProcessWhen 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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• Regulatory compliance: Stormwatermanagement, National Pollutant DischargeElimination System (NPDES) permitting, erosioncontrol, floodplain management, and streambuffer requirements

• Sewer capacity: Does the sewer infrastructurein the proposed area of development have the capacity to sustain the new construction or expansion?

• Water availability: For the size and type of development proposed, what infrastructureresources are needed to ensure reliable andsafe water supply?

• Restaurant compliance: Proper management of Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)

• Special waste streams: If the discharge ishazardous and whether pre-treatmentis required

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DETERMINES:

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO:

Residential Customers in such instances as (but not limited to):

• A property owner wants to put a storage shedon his or her lot

• A homeowner wants to expand, renovate ormake an addition to his or her home

• A resident wants a water meter relocated

• A resident wants information on how to obtainan irrigation meter

• A contractor wants to build a custom home

Commercial Customers in such instances as (but not limited to):

• A developer wants to build a strip mall orbusiness complex

• A company is building a new location inAtlanta or expanding an existing building

• A builder is building a new subdivisionwith single family homes, townhouses,or multi-family apartments

• Government projects and other special projects

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION• Alternative steps or requirements may be needed

based on site conditions and the scope of theapplication. If additional information is neededon the land development process, permitting,compliance, ordinances, or any other relatedservices, please contact Development Servicesat 404-330-6249, email dwm_pct@AtlantaGA.gov, or visit www.atlantawatershed.org.

Department of Watershed Management Administrative Offices

72 Marietta Street NW Atlanta, GA 30303Mon-Fri – 8:15 am to 5:00 pm

www.atlantawatershed.org/

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