Understanding Atlanta Zones: Neighborhoods, School Zones, Zoning, and More
Atlanta talks about “zones” in a lot of different ways: police zones, school zones, parking zones, zoning districts, and even MARTA fare zones.
If you live in Atlanta, are moving here, or are just visiting, knowing what “zone” you’re in can affect everything from where your kids go to school to how much you pay for parking.
This guide breaks down the major types of Atlanta zones, how they work, and how to find yours.
The Main Types of “Zones” in Atlanta
When people in Atlanta say “zone,” they usually mean one of these:
- Atlanta Police Department (APD) patrol zones
- Atlanta Public Schools (APS) attendance zones
- City land use & zoning districts
- Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs) and neighborhoods
- Parking zones and enforcement areas
- School safety zones / slow-speed zones
- MARTA service and fare zones
Each serves a different purpose, and they’re managed by different agencies. You might live in APD Zone 2, attend school in APS’s Grady cluster, and belong to NPU-F all at the same time.
Atlanta Police Zones
What are APD zones?
The Atlanta Police Department divides the city into several patrol zones. Each zone has its own precinct, officers, and leadership, and they help determine:
- Which officers respond to calls
- Which precinct handles non-emergency concerns
- Where community meetings are held
Commonly referenced zones include:
- Zone 1 – Northwest Atlanta (parts of Bankhead, Vine City, etc.)
- Zone 2 – Buckhead and nearby neighborhoods
- Zone 3 – South and southeast Atlanta (Pittsburgh, Lakewood, etc.)
- Zone 4 – Southwest Atlanta
- Zone 5 – Downtown & Midtown core
- Zone 6 – East Atlanta (Edgewood, Kirkwood, East Atlanta Village, etc.)
Within each zone, there are beats, which are smaller patrol areas.
Why your police zone matters
Knowing your police zone helps you:
- Report non-emergency issues to the right precinct
- Attend local safety meetings and neighborhood watch discussions
- Understand which officers patrol your streets
📍 Where to ask or check in person
You can get zone information or printed maps at the Atlanta Police Headquarters:
Atlanta Police Department Headquarters
226 Peachtree St SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main non-emergency line: (404) 658-6666
Atlanta School Zones and Attendance Areas
Attendance zones for Atlanta Public Schools (APS)
If you live inside the City of Atlanta, your child’s public school assignment is usually based on your home address. APS divides the city into attendance zones (sometimes referred to as “school zones” or “clusters”) that determine:
- Which elementary, middle, and high school your child is assigned to
- Bus routes and transportation eligibility
- Priority for school enrollment
Major high school “clusters” include:
- Grady / Midtown cluster – Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Morningside, Old Fourth Ward (parts), etc.
- North Atlanta cluster – Buckhead and surrounding areas
- Maynard Jackson cluster – Grant Park, Cabbagetown, and nearby neighborhoods
- Therrell, Douglass, Carver, Mays, Washington, South Atlanta, and others serving different parts of the city
How to find your APS school zone
You’ll usually need your full street address. You can:
- Call APS to confirm your attendance zone and schools
- Visit APS offices for assistance with enrollment and zoning questions
Atlanta Public Schools – Central Office
130 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main line: (404) 802-3500
For those in unincorporated Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, or Clayton County (outside Atlanta city limits), school zones are set by the respective county school districts, not APS.
School safety zones (speed and traffic)
Around many Atlanta schools, you’ll see:
- Lower speed limits during arrival and dismissal times
- Flashing beacons when reduced speed is in effect
- “School Safety Zone” or similar signs
These zones are strictly enforced, especially around:
- Elementary schools on busy corridors (e.g., along Cascade Rd, Memorial Dr, and Northside Dr)
- Schools near major roads in Buckhead, Midtown, and Southwest Atlanta
🚦 Tip: If you’re driving and see a flashing school-zone sign, slow down immediately. Fines for speeding in school safety zones are often higher than standard tickets.
Atlanta Land Use & Zoning Districts
What is zoning in Atlanta?
The City of Atlanta Department of City Planning uses zoning to control:
- How property can be used (residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use)
- Building height, density, and setbacks
- Parking requirements and design standards
Common zoning types you’ll hear about:
- R-4, R-5 – Single-family or two-family residential
- MR / MRC – Mixed residential and commercial
- C-1, C-2 – Commercial
- I-1, I-2 – Industrial
- Special districts – Such as BeltLine Overlay, SPI districts (Special Public Interest, like Downtown or Midtown)
Why zoning matters for residents
Zoning affects:
- Whether you can run a business from home
- If you can build an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) or add a rental unit
- What types of buildings can go up on your street (for example, apartments vs. single-family only)
- Parking, signage, and design rules for new construction
If you’re planning to:
- Renovate or expand your home
- Open a storefront, restaurant, or office
- Develop property or add a new unit
…you’ll need to know your zoning.
Where to get zoning help in Atlanta
You can speak with zoning staff, request information, and review zoning maps with the City.
City of Atlanta – Department of City Planning
55 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main line: (404) 330-6150
Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs) and Neighborhood Zones
What are NPUs?
Atlanta is divided into Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs) – citizen advisory councils that review and make recommendations on:
- Zoning changes
- Liquor licenses
- Land use and development proposals
- Community programs and neighborhood issues
NPUs are labeled A through Z, and each covers a set of neighborhoods. For example:
- NPU-E – Midtown, Ansley Park, Home Park
- NPU-F – Virginia-Highland, Morningside/Lenox Park, Lindridge-Martin Manor
- NPU-V – Mechanicsville, Pittsburgh, Summerhill, Peoplestown
Why your NPU zone matters
If you care about:
- New developments near your home
- Zoning changes or rezoning requests
- Liquor licenses for bars and restaurants on your block
…your NPU is often where those proposals are discussed first.
👥 Tip: NPUs usually hold monthly public meetings, often at local community centers, churches, or libraries. Attending is one of the most direct ways to have a say in what happens in your part of Atlanta.
For general questions about NPUs and which one you’re in, you can contact:
Office of Zoning & Development – City Planning
55 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main line: (404) 330-6145 (general planning inquiries)
Parking Zones and Enforcement Areas
On-street parking and zones in Atlanta
In many parts of the city—especially Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and around busy commercial areas—parking is managed using:
- Metered parking zones
- Residential permit parking zones
- Time-limited parking areas
These zones help manage demand and keep spaces turning over near businesses and attractions.
Typical places you’ll see strict parking zones:
- Streets near State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the Georgia World Congress Center
- Midtown streets around Peachtree St, 10th St, and Piedmont Park
- Commercial corridors in Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, Old Fourth Ward, and West Midtown
Residential parking zones
Some residential streets close to popular nightlife or attractions use permit-only parking at certain times. Signs will say things like:
- “Residential Permit Parking Only – 10 PM to 6 AM”
- “2-Hour Parking, Permit Exempt”
If you live on one of these streets, you typically need to:
- Apply for a residential parking permit through the city or its parking contractor
- Display the permit as required (hangtag or decal)
If you’re visiting or using on-street parking, always read the posted signs carefully to avoid tickets or towing.
Where to get information about parking zones
City of Atlanta – Department of Transportation (ATLDOT)
55 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main line: (404) 330-6501
MARTA Zones and Transit Service Areas
MARTA does not use “zones” the way some transit systems do for distance-based fares, but you will still see geographic divisions that matter for transit riders.
Rail line “zones”
The MARTA rail system is broken into lines rather than formal fare zones:
- Red Line – North-South (North Springs to Airport)
- Gold Line – North-South (Doraville to Airport)
- Blue Line – East-West (Hamilton E. Holmes to Indian Creek)
- Green Line – West-East (Bankhead to Edgewood/Candler Park)
Even though MARTA doesn’t charge different fares by distance inside its service area, knowing which line zone you’re on affects:
- Transfer points (e.g., Five Points, Lindbergh Center)
- How you plan trips to and from neighborhoods across Atlanta
Bus route coverage “zones”
Bus routes effectively create service zones—some neighborhoods enjoy frequent service, while others have limited or peak-only options. This particularly affects:
- Southwest and Southeast Atlanta neighborhoods
- Areas far from MARTA rail stations, such as parts of Cascade, Campbellton, and South DeKalb (outside city limits but still heavily used by Atlanta residents)
For trip planning and route coverage, visit a MARTA rail station with a station agent or call:
MARTA Customer Service
Main line: (404) 848-5000
Utility, Trash, and Service Zones
Trash, recycling, and yard waste zones
The City of Atlanta Department of Public Works assigns service days and routes based on where you live. While they may not always call them “zones” in everyday language, your address belongs to a collection zone that determines:
- What day your trash, recycling, and yard trimmings are picked up
- Where and when bulk pickup is available
- Holiday schedule changes
If you move within the city, your service zone and pickup day might change.
For questions about your collection zone or schedule:
City of Atlanta – Department of Public Works (Solid Waste Services)
55 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Customer service: (404) 330-6333
Quick Reference: Key “Zones” and Who Manages Them
| Type of Zone | What It Affects | Who Manages It | Typical Next Step for Residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Zone (APD) | Patrol coverage, community safety meetings | Atlanta Police Department | Call APD HQ or your zone precinct for local info |
| School Attendance Zone (APS) | Which public schools you’re assigned to | Atlanta Public Schools | Call APS with your address to confirm schools |
| Zoning District (Land Use) | What you can build or operate on a property | City of Atlanta – Dept. of City Planning | Contact City Planning before major building or business |
| NPU (Neighborhood Planning Unit) | Community input on zoning, development | City of Atlanta – Office of Zoning & Development | Attend monthly NPU meetings for your area |
| Parking Zone | Meter rules, permits, ticket enforcement | City of Atlanta / ATLDOT / parking contractor | Read curb signs; contact ATLDOT for permits or disputes |
| School Safety Zone | Speed limits, enforcement near schools | City of Atlanta, APD, GDOT (for state routes) | Watch signage; drive slower during school hours |
| MARTA Service Area | Rail and bus access to different neighborhoods | MARTA | Use station staff or phone support for route help |
| Trash & Recycling Route | Pickup day and special services | City of Atlanta – Public Works | Call Public Works for schedule and service changes |
How to Figure Out Which Atlanta Zones You’re In
If you’re unsure which zones apply to your address, a practical approach is:
- Get your full address handy, including ZIP code.
- Identify your city and county. Make sure you are inside City of Atlanta limits; some addresses with “Atlanta” mailing addresses are actually in unincorporated county areas.
- For each type of zone, contact the relevant office:
- Police zone: APD – (404) 658-6666
- School zone (APS): APS – (404) 802-3500
- Zoning district / NPU: City Planning – (404) 330-6150
- Trash collection zone: Public Works – (404) 330-6333
- Ask directly:
- “Which police zone is my address in?”
- “What is my APS attendance zone and school cluster?”
- “What is my zoning classification and NPU for this address?”
- “What is my trash pickup day and route?”
Having this information makes it much easier to solve issues, plan projects, or get involved locally in Atlanta.