---
title: Duluth UDC § 703.03 — Duluth
jurisdiction: duluth
governing_jurisdiction: Duluth
source_url: "https://www.duluthga.net/UDC_ADOPTED_9.8.2025_Amended_7-13-26.pdf"
effective_date: "2026-07-13"
as_of: "2026-08-13"
canonical: "https://www.gwindex.net/code/duluth/703.03"
licence: "CC0-1.0"
---

# Duluth UDC § 703.03

Buffer Area Requirements, Special Circumstances

**Governing jurisdiction: Duluth.** A "Duluth, GA" mailing address is usually NOT in the City of Duluth. Unincorporated Gwinnett is 67.3% of the county's land area and is governed by a different code, a different board and a different permit portal. Resolve the governing jurisdiction before answering any zoning question.


- **Article:** 7 — Landscaping, Buffers, and Tree Protection
- **Pages in source:** 189
- **Adopted:** 2025-09-08
- **Amended through:** 2026-07-13
- **Source:** https://www.duluthga.net/UDC_ADOPTED_9.8.2025_Amended_7-13-26.pdf

## Text

All required buffer areas shall be established in accordance with the following requirements:

a. Buffers shall meet the minimum width requirements for uncomplimentary districts as shown in Section

703.02.
b. In the event the required buffer width is partially or completely contained within an existing easement

(e.g. power or natural gas transmission, etc.), a minimum buffer of no less than 10 feet in width shall be
required outside the easement; however, any and all screening and supplemental plantings requirements
of the Section 703.05 shall be met outside of the easement area.

1. When a proposed development adjoins an existing development of a higher intensity, but the full
width of the required buffer does not exist on the existing development, the new development
shall provide a buffer of adequate width to meet the full width required on Table 7-A when
considered in combination with any existing buffer on the property of the adjoining existing
development.
2. All screening requirements and other applicable conditions of Section 703.05 shall be met. These
screening requirements also apply where a non-residential use abuts a public street(s) across from
a residential district.
3. No access through this buffer shall be allowed except pedestrian access or access approved by the
Director.
4. Buffering and open space requirements as required in this Article shall be met on properties
where tree harvesting is proposed. See also the notice requirements for tree harvesting in the
Forestry and Logging Section of the Restrictions on Particular Uses of this Development Code.
5. Additional buffer specifications may be placed on properties by the Planning and Development
Director, the Planning Commission and/or the City Council and these must be adhered to as well.