The Planning Division is responsible for the long-range planning and
zoning administration activities in Gwinnett County. The Long-Range Planning Section of the Planning Division is responsible for formulating policy recommendations and programs to guide future growth and development in Gwinnett County. These duties include the preparation, update, implementation and monitoring of the
Gwinnett County 2030 Unified Plan, sector or small area plans, special projects as well as coordination with the County's municipalities and other local, regional, State and Federal government agencies.
The Current Planning Section administers the Gwinnett County Zoning Resolution. This section receives, processes, reviews and makes recommendations on applications to rezone property in the unincorporated areas of the County. In addition, the section processes Special Use Permit, Change-in-Condition, Buffer Reduction, and Moved-in-House applications, reviews home occupations for compliance with zoning regulations, and prepares zoning certification letters as requested. This section also coordinates the Development of Regional Impact (DRI) submittal process with State and regional government agencies. The Current Planning Section provides staff support to the Gwinnett County Planning Commission.
In addition to the various areas of responsibility mentioned above, the Planning Division also has a considerable amount of public interaction. The Planning Division responds to walk-in visitors, telephone calls and e-mails seeking technical assistance with zoning, land use, etc. Additional Planning Division services include coordinating County-wide planning studies, research, GIS mapping, data analysis, and census-based demographic information.