Audit: Police Should Take On Atlanta Zoning Enforcement

An audit submitted to the Atlanta City Council recommends that the city turn over zoning enforcement to the police department, reports David Pendered, a recommendation not supported by the city's planning department, which currently regulates zoning.

The audit, overseen by the city's independent auditor, points to peer cities that use police for zoning enforcement and calls on the Commissioner of City Planning and the Police Chief to collaborate on shifting zoning enforcement to the police department.

Planning Commissioner Tim Keane rejected the proposal, stating in his response to the audit, "It would confuse citizens and cause a delay in several processes, ultimately impacting customer service. The Atlanta Police Department is already over-burdened. As such this transfer of responsibilities will undoubtedly set both departments up for failure."

Zoning enforcement complaints include issues like illegal home businesses and rooming houses, auto repairs on residential properties, property line issues, unlicensed daycare facilities, and fence heights. The audit claims that Atlanta's planning department doesn't have the capacity to handle the volume of complaints, and recommends increased worker training and more accurate recordkeeping.