Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 110 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS › Chapter 110-3 - OFFICE OF COORDINATED PLANNING › Subject 110-3-2 - MINIMUM PLANNING STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES FOR LOCAL COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING › Rule 110-3-2-.04 - Minimum Local Planning Standards

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1)
General:
Pursuant to
				O.C.G.A. 50-8-7.1(b), the
				minimum local planning standards were developed to guide local governments in
				developing and implementing their comprehensive plans. The law also provides
				that the Rules for Environmental Planning Criteria developed pursuant to
				O.C.G.A. 12-2-8 be incorporated into these
				minimum planning standards. Cities and counties across the state are diverse in
				terms of size, growth rate, economic base, and environmental and geographic
				conditions, and their needs, concerns and goals for the future also differ
				dramatically. Accordingly, the planning standards were given sufficient
				flexibility to allow communities to address the variety of situations they
				face. In some cases, resources or data items listed in the standards may not be
				applicable to a particular community. For example, assessment of coastal
				resources would not be necessary in local plans prepared in north Georgia, nor
				would coastal jurisdictions generally need to consider steep slopes. Therefore,
				each community should determine which items are appropriate for consideration
				in its planning process. Similarly, local governments are encouraged to
				consider additional planning elements or data items in their plans, as needed,
				to focus on special situations or issues of importance to the
				community.
(2)
Community,
				Regional, and State Planning Goals:
Pursuant to O.C.G.A.
				50-8-7.1(a), the
				department is authorized to assist the Governor in defining the state's
				long-term goals and priorities through coordinated and comprehensive planning.
				The department shall utilize local and regional plans in developing and
				refining these goals and priorities. In the interim, the department has
				established statewide goals for five topical elements, as listed below. Goals
				developed in local plans shall be consistent with these initial statewide
				goals:
(a)
Economic
				Development:
To achieve a growing and balanced economy, consistent with
				the prudent management of the state's resources, that equitably benefits all
				segments of the population.
(b)
Natural and Historic Resources:
To conserve and protect the
				environmental, natural and historic resources of Georgia's communities, regions
				and the state.
(c)
Community
				Facilities and Services:
To ensure that public facilities throughout the
				state have the capacity, and are in place when needed, to support and attract
				growth, and development and/or maintain and enhance the quality of life of
				Georgia's residents.
(d)
Housing:
To ensure that residents of the state have access to adequate
				and affordable housing.
(e)
Land Use:
To ensure that land resources are allocated for uses that will
				accommodate and enhance the state's economic development, natural and historic
				resources, community facilities, and housing and to protect and improve the
				quality of life of Georgia's residents.