In 1947, the voters of the State of Georgia approved a special constitutional amendment which allowed the City of Macon and Bibb County to establish the Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission. On November 4, 1952, by joint ordinance and resolution the city and county created the Commission.

The powers and duties given to the Commission are derived from the ordinance and resolution adopted by the city and county, respectively, in 1952. Basic powers entrusted to the Commission are:

• To hold hearings on all rezoning, and redistricting matters whether originated by private parties, by a government agency, or the Commission itself,
• To conduct hearings as provided by law and its own rules and regulations,
• To pass orders for the zoning, districting, or redistricting of areas of the city and county,
• To make regulations restricting the height, number of stories, and size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lots that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts and other open space, the density of population, the location and use of buildings and other structures, and the use, conditions of use, or occupancy of land for trade, industry, residence, recreation, transportation, agriculture, or other purposes,
• To regulate concerning municipal planning, to provide for regulation of subdivision of land,
• To establish setback lines for buildings and structures along streets, lanes, avenues, and roads, including the power and authority to divide the city and county into districts of such number, shape, and area as the Commission shall find to best suited to carry out the purposes of this division,
• To regulate and redistrict the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair or use of buildings and structures, and the use, conditions of use or occupancy of land,
• To adopt zoning regulations including a map or maps indicating districts;
• To authorize in specific cases such variance from the terms of its regulations as will not be contrary to the public interest, where, owing to special conditions fully demonstrated on the basis of the facts presented, literal enforcement of the provisions of the regulations will result in great practical difficulties or unnecessary hardship, and
• To permit in appropriate cases, in harmony with the general purpose and intent of such regulations, a building to be erected or premises to be used for public utility or other public service purposes in any location which is necessary for public convenience and welfare.
   

Simply put, the Commission has the authority to adopt zoning regulations, an official zoning map, and platting standards. The Commission also has the power to administer and enforce the regulations as provided for in the local city/county codes.