Applications and Forms

As of January 2022, the City began transferring zoning applications to the online portal eTrac. In addition, fees for some applications increased. 

City Applications

City staff are responsible for zoning interpretations, temporary use permits, and business location approvals. When seeking answers to zoning questions, use the zoning information request for faster responses and the zoning confirmation letter for official, more comprehensive responses. 

• Zoning Information Request Form
• Zoning Confirmation Letter Application (A $50 fee applies)
• Business Location Approval Application (needed for Business Tax Certificate)
• Home Occupation Form
• Temporary Use Application
• Child/Adult Day Care Home

Small Cell Telecom Permits

The Real Estate Services Department administers the permitting of small cell equipment within the City of Savannah, including the addition of new poles and antenna.   

Zoning Applications 

Applications are available to request amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and/or Map which will be presented to the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) for consideration and then forwarded to City Council for a final decision:  

Applications that require an online submission are listed in the “Online Submission Portal” columns below. You must first download and complete the PDF of the appropriate application in the “Application” column of the table below. Once you finish the PDF application, you may submit it by accessing the online portal eTrac. Click the link in the Online Submission Portal column, log in or register, and upload the PDF application and pay your fees. You may access the application portal here: eTrac. If you do not have an existing account, click “Guest” in the upper right corner of the eTrac screen and then click “Register.” Applications will not be processed until fees are paid. If you have questions or need assistance, please call (912) 651-3108 or email planning@savannahga.gov. 

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) application must be filed for any variance that is not associated with a major development plan, an appeal of a zoning decision, relief for nonconforming uses and structures, and extension of a ZBA approval.   

The MPC makes the final decision on the following zoning applications:

• Special Exceptions
• Variances for Development Plans (This application is specifically for any variance associated with a major development plan)  

Application Submittals and Fees

All zoning applications must be submitted to the City’s Planning and Urban Design Office with payments made to the City of Savannah. 

Historic Preservation

Certain material changes in the appearance to resources within the Savannah Downtown, Victorian, Streetcar, Cuyler-Brownville, Ardsley-Park, Ardmore-Chatham Terrace and Historic Carver Village historic districts may require an application to secure a Certificate of Appropriateness.  

• Certificate of Appropriateness for Historic Properties

Public Hearings

A resolution adopted by Mayor and Alderman outlines the policy and procedures for calling and conducting public hearings on zoning decisions.

Calendar of Meetings

Follow the below links to the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) website to see the calendar of meetings for:

• All boards and commissions
• Metropolitan Planning Commission
• City of Savannah Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)
• Historic District Board of Review
• Historic Preservation Commission