Planning & Development

About the Department

The Planning and Development department is made up of seven divisions. Each division within the department serves the needs of local residents, businesses, and/or developers in obtaining necessary permits. Whether you are looking to rezone your property, build a house, apply for a land disturbance permit, acquire a business license, or request an alcohol permit we are able to assist you with any of these requests.

Building Inspections Division

The Building Inspections Division is responsible for scheduling inspections and enforcement of building codes.

Business License Division

The Business License Division is responsible for issuing and renewing business licenses and registrations. This division also issues alcohol licenses, alcohol server permits, and pawnshop licenses.

Development Review Division

The Development Review Division is responsible for land development review and permitting of large-scale residential and commercial projects.

Gainesville-Hall Metropolitan Planning Organization (GHMPO)

The GHMPOis responsible for conducting the federally mandated transportation planning process for the Gainesville Urbanized Area and portions of the Atlanta Urbanized Area.

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Division

The GIS Division is responsible for updating and maintaining a variety of data layers, develops and maintains the county's spatial databases, and provides mapping and data services to local government departments and staff.

Long Range Planning Division

The Long Range Planning Division is responsible for managing the rezoning, plat, conditional use and home occupation permit processes. In addition, it oversees policy and code changes as reflected in the Hall County Comprehensive Plan.

Marshal's Office

The Marshal's Office is responsible for enforcement of county ordinances. The Office also is responsible for providing security at the Hall County Government Center and Hall County Parks.