Time: 3 Hours

Location: 1070 White Street, Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30310

Course #: 76817

Cost: $30

 

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Zoning can determine whether a commercial real estate transaction succeeds, stalls, or fails entirely. A property may appear ideal based on its location, condition, and price, but zoning restrictions can limit its permitted use, redevelopment potential, operating requirements, and long-term value. Understanding these regulations is essential for identifying risks before clients commit significant time and money.

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This three-hour continuing education course provides real estate professionals with a practical understanding of zoning regulations and their impact on commercial property transactions. Participants will learn why communities regulate land use, how zoning decisions are made, and how planning departments, zoning boards, elected officials, and other government entities influence the development process.

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The course examines common zoning challenges involving permitted uses, conditional and special-use permits, variances, rezoning requests, nonconforming uses, development standards, parking requirements, signage, setbacks, density, and other property restrictions. Participants will also explore how environmental regulations, building requirements, and land-use policies can affect a property’s development potential and transaction timeline.

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A strong emphasis is placed on zoning due diligence. Participants will learn how to review zoning maps, ordinances, comprehensive plans, permits, entitlement records, and other public documents to verify a property’s zoning status. The course also addresses the importance of communicating with local government officials and avoiding assumptions based solely on a property’s current or previous use.

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Through practical examples and real-world case studies, participants will learn to:

• Understand the purpose and structure of local zoning regulations.

• Identify different zoning classifications and their impact on commercial properties.

• Distinguish between permitted, conditional, special, and prohibited uses.

• Recognize common zoning pitfalls before listing, purchasing, leasing, or developing property.

• Understand the processes for rezoning, variances, special-use permits, and other approvals.

• Conduct effective zoning and land-use due diligence.

• Evaluate how environmental regulations and development standards may affect a project.

• Communicate zoning risks and approval requirements more effectively to clients.

• Work more efficiently with planning staff, zoning boards, elected officials, and other stakeholders.

 

Designed for commercial and residential real estate agents, brokers, appraisers, investors, developers, and other industry professionals, this course equips participants with the knowledge needed to identify zoning risks, protect their clients, and make better-informed commercial real estate decisions.