Atlanta Riparian Buffer Ordinance and Wetland Protection Regulations

Purpose (Riparian Buffer Ordinance): to maintain stream water quality and protect water resources by protecting buffer areas along the streams and wetlands of the city; to minimize development within such buffers by requiring authorization for any development; to provide additional protection for streams and wetlands within the city beyond the buffer areas mandated by the State of Georgia; to minimize public and private losses due to erosion, siltation, and water pollution; and to promote the safety, health, peace, and general welfare of the city and its inhabitants.

Purpose (Wetland Protection): to protect the environmental integrity of freshwater wetlands within the City of Atlanta. The purpose of this ordinance is to promote wetlands protection, while taking into account varying ecological, economic development, recreational and aesthetic values. Activities that may damage wetlands should be located on upland sites to the greatest degree practicable as determined through the permitting process.

Includes the following provisions:
– Establishes required 75-foot buffer of natural, undisturbed vegetation measured perpendicularly and horizontally on both sides of the stream from the point of wrested vegetation
– Requires that wetlands shall remain in their natural state and have a 25-foot buffer of natural, undisturbed vegetation.