Looking to open a business in Castleberry Hill? Here are some suggestions to help you navigate the many factors of opening a new business in the city and in our community.
1. Get to know the community. Attend the Castleberry Hill Neighborhood Association meeting on the 3rd Monday of the month (check calendar to confirm location) and read up on the Landmark District Regulations, which govern build-outs, liquor licenses and other permitted uses.
2. Know your NPU: Neighborhood Planning Unit. Castleberry Hill is in NPU-M
The City of Atlanta is divided into twenty-five Neighborhood Planning Units or NPUs, which are citizen advisory councils that make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on zoning, license use, alcohol license and other planning issues. The NPU system was established in 1974 to provide an opportunity for citizens to participate actively and to receive information concerning all functions of city government. The system enables citizens to express ideas and comment on city plans and proposals while assisting the city in developing plans that best meet the needs of their communities.
3. Know your City of Atlanta and State Representatives:
- City Council, District 3
(N of Fair and W of Walker/Nelson/Elliott) – Bryon Amos, 404-330-6046, bdamos@atlantaga.gov, visit website - City Council, District 4
(E of Walker/Nelson/Elliott and everything S of Fair) – Jason Dozier, 404-330-6047, JDozier@atlantaga.gov, visit website - City Council, Post 1 At-Large
Michael Julian Bond, 404-330-6770, mbond@atlantaga.gov - City Council, Post 2 At-Large
Matt Westmoreland, 404-330-6302, mwestmoreland@atlantaga.gov - City Council, Post 3 At-Large
Keisha Sean Waites, 404- 330-6041, kwaites@atlantaga.gov - City Council President
Ceasar Mitchell, 404-330-6052, ccmitchell@atlantaga.gov, visit website - County Commissioner, District 6
Alan Wan, awan@atlantaga.gov, 404-330-6049, Visit website - State Senate, District 36
Nan Orrock, nan.orrock@senate.ga.gov, 404-463-8054, www.nanorrock.com - State House, District 56
Mesha Mainor, mesha@meshamainor.com , 404-656-0126, www.meshamainor.com - State House, District 57
Stacey Evans, www,staceyevans.com,
4. Investigate options for a successful business, before you sign a lease.
- Take a tour and find out from someone who knows: Contact CHNA President
- Setting up a business – Get help: www.operationhope.org
- Check out the GA Small Business Development Center: www.georgiasbdc.org
- See options for financing programs – Invest Atlanta: Small Business Loan Programs
5. How to get your business through the process:
- Get an attorney who knows the city and community regulations! It is not the responsibility of the community volunteers at the CHNA or NPU to guide you through the process.
- Zoning & Build-out – Review Landmark District Regulations regarding signage restrictions, liquor licensing, build-out, etc. and contact CHNA Land Use chair
- Business License – City of Atlanta Procedure
- Liquor License – City of Atlanta Procedure
- Restaurant/Liquor License Info – GA Restaurant Asso
- Building/Construction – Urban Design Commission (UDC)
- Marketing & Promotions
6. Get Involved: Join the CHNA
CHNA MEETINGS TO ATTEND
CHNA Exec Meeting – 1st Monday at 7:00pm – Confirm location on calendar, contact president@castleberryhill.org to be added to agenda.
CHNA General Meeting – 3rd Monday at 7:00pm – Confirm location on calendar, contact president@castleberryhill.org to be added to agenda.
NPU-M: Public Safety Committee – 3rd Thursday at 6:00pm
-All meetings are virtual, and all are welcome to join! Attend our upcoming meeting here.
NPU-M: Land Use/Executive Board – 2nd Monday at 6:30pm
-All meetings are virtual, and all are welcome to join! Attend our upcoming meeting here.
NPU-M General Body Meeting – 4th Monday at 6:15pm
Click here to register and join our upcoming meeting.
Questions to Ensure You Can Answer for Neighborhood Meetings
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- How will applicant monitor/control loitering and panhandling?
- How will applicant monitor and enforce illegal consumption on property?
- Will applicant provide a uniformed security guard if panhandling, loitering or illegal activity is reported?
- Has the applicant read the city code and the neighborhood zoning restrictions?
- Will the applicant comply fully with all code, zoning restrictions and laws?
- How will the applicant maintain the property and how often? Property maintenance includes building, parking lots, sidewalks, litter (postcards/pamphlets, cups, bottle caps, trash, cigarette butts, etc) to the curb of the street.
- Is the applicant aware of the city/neighborhood sign ordinance?
- Does the applicant own or lease?
- Who is the primary point of contact to raise issues?
- Will applicant or representative attend monthly meetings?
- Will applicant join the Castleberry Hill Neighborhood Association and help contribute to the neighborhood?