The Development Review Division ensures the implementation of the policies adopted by the Board of Commissioners while providing professional land planning services to facilitate sustainable growth through effective plan review and land development permitting.

The following descriptions will assist you in navigating the Division's web pages.

LAND DISTURBANCE PERMIT & PLAT INFORMATION

Land Disturbance Permit or Land Development Permit (LDP): A type of permitting for residential, commercial, and industrial zonings. We offer several different types of LDPs. Please visit the Land Development page here to access more information on each permit type and its application requirements.

• Site Development (SD)
• Road Construction (RC)
• Clearing, Grading and/or Grubbing (CG)
• Sanitary Sewer (SW)

Within the LDP process, there are three types of recorded document processes. Please visit the Land Development page here to access more information on each process and its application requirements.

• As-Builts (AS)
• Final Plats (FP)
• Minor Plats (MP)

VARIANCES, APPEALS & OTHER PUBLIC HEARING INFORMATION

Variances allow for development to deviate from the standards set forth by the Forsyth County Unified Development Code. The code also permits the appeal of administrative decisions, and decisions made by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Information regarding each of the following application types can be found on our Variances & Appeals page here, including application requirements, document downloads, and overall process information.

• Administrative Variances
• Variances requiring approval by the Board of Commissioners
• Variances requiring approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals
• Appeals of administrative decisions
• Appeals of Zoning Board of Appeals decisions
• Medical Hardships

OTHER APPLICATIONS

• Certificate of Zoning Compliance (Zoning Verification) Application Instructions
• Temporary Vendor Application
• Parking Waiver Application
• Cottage Food Permit Application Instructions

TREES AND LANDSCAPING

Forsyth County through its Tree Ordinance provides standards that guide development and incorporate trees into land use planning. Establishing a healthy and sustainable urban and community forest seeks to preserve and enhance the quality of life within the county, while at the same time enhancing economic growth and development. Please visit our Trees and Landscaping page here for details on the following topics:

• Forsyth County Tree Protection and Replacement Ordinance
• Buffer Standards
• Recommended Plant List
• Tree/Landscape Plan Review Checklist
• Tree Care Information