Planning & Zoning

Rezone, Conditional Use, Variance

Administrative Variance

Medical Hardship Variance

Plat

Family Provision Affidavit

Sketch Plan

Sketch Plan with Subdivision

Preliminary Plat

Conceptual Site Plan

Final Plat

Streetlight Tax District

What is a Development of Regional Impact?

A DRI is a large-scale development that is likely to have regional effects beyond the local government jurisdiction in which they are located. The Georgia Planning Act of 1989 authorized the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to establish procedures for review of these large-scale projects. These procedures are designed to improve communication between affected governments and to provide a means of revealing and assessing potential impacts of large-scale developments before conflicts relating to them arise.

When is a Development of Regional Impact required in Bulloch County?

When should an applicant apply for a Development of Regional Impact determination?

The applicant should apply for a DRI determination when some sort of local government action related to the development project is requested, including, but not limited to, a request for rezoning, rezoning accompanying an annexation, zoning variance, permit, hookup to a water or sewer system, master or site plan approval, or entering into a contract and it appears that the proposed development may meet or exceed the thresholds established for that development (see table).

What is the procedure for Development of Regional Impact determination / review?

DRI determination

If Bulloch County determines that the development meets the threshold for a DRI, the County completes Form 1: Initial DRI Information form, which is sent to DCA and the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center (RDC).

Based in part on the information provided in the Initial DRI Information form, the RDC will determine whether or not the proposed development should be processed as a DRI. The County will notify the applicant if the RDC determines a DRI review is required.

DRI Review

Applicant completes as much of Development of Regional Impact: Pre-Review Questionnaire as possible, pays County DRI fee ($5 per acre), and submits both to Bulloch County.

Bulloch County submits Development of Regional Impact: Pre-Review Questionnaire and Form 2: DRI Review Initiation Request to the RDC.

Within 5 days of receiving the completed DRI Review Initiation Request, the RDC will respond in writing to Bulloch County. If the form contains complete information, the RDC will respond with a Completeness Certification letter, which will signal the official beginning of the DRI Regional Review process. If the form does not contain all required information, Bulloch County will be so notified.

At the same time the Completeness Certification is mailed, the RDC will mail a DRI Preliminary Report and Request for Comments to the appropriate government agencies and interested parties for review.

The RDC then has 30 days to complete a Public Finding of whether or not the proposed DRI is considered to be in the best interest of the state. The RDC has 45 days if the finding will be not in the best interest of the state.

All comments and findings are provided to Bulloch County and all other parties involved.

Can Bulloch County take action during a Development of Regional Impact review?

To ensure a fair review process, Bulloch County cannot take any official action related to the project until the DRI review process is completed. Official action includes action taken either by the Planning and Zoning Commission or the Board of Commissioners.

Where can I find additional information and check on the status of a Development of Regional Impact?

Submission Forms

Form 1: Initial DRI Information

Form 2: DRI Review Initiation Request

Pre-Review Questionnaire

Click Here for Current Zoning Request

Where do I file for a Rezone, Conditional Use, Variance or Appeal?

Zoning Department

115 N Main St, Statesboro, GA 30458  / (912) 489-1356

What information is required to file for a Rezone, Conditional Use, Variance, or Appeal?

1. •A completed Application Form (Signed by the property owner and by the agent (if applicable)).

2.  

   •Notarized.

3.  

   •Map and Parcel # (found on tax notice).

4.  

   •Recorded copy of the warranty deed.

5.  

   •Recorded copy of the plat (scaled drawing showing all improvements).

6.  

   •Filing fee (see County Fee Schedule).

 What are the public notification procedures?

1. •Upon receipt of the application and filing fee, Zoning Department staff will place a sign on the property no less than 15 days prior to the public hearing.

2.  

   •Zoning staff will place a legal ad in the newspaper advertising the request at least 15 days prior to the public hearing.

3.  

   •Zoning staff will notify applicant and adjacent property owners concerning the request. The notification will include the dates the request will be heard at the public hearing(s).

What happens at the public hearing?*

1. Zoning staff present a brief report that will: explain the request, describe adjacent land uses, and give the zoning classification of the requested property and surrounding property.

2.  

   The applicant and others who sign up in support of the request are permitted time to present their comments.

3.  

   Citizens who sign up in opposition to the request are permitted time to present their comments.

4. Planning and Zoning or Board of Commissioners may ask for additional information before voting on the request.

* Either the applicant or the agent must be present at the Planning and Zoning meeting and the Board of Commissioner meeting to present the request and answer questions.

Will I be notified of the decision?

Zoning Department staff will notify the applicant concerning the decision.

What is an appeal?

1. •Process by which an individual can contest a Zoning Administrator or Building Official decision.

2.  

   •Appeals are heard by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

3.  

   •All construction activity must stop during an appeal, unless the 

   Building Official determines that stopping construction or other activity authorized by the appealed action will cause imminent peril to life or property. In such cases, the construction or other activity authorized by the appealed action is allowed to continue unless the construction is halted by the Planning and Zoning Commission or a restraining order is granted by a court of competent jurisdiction.

4.  

   •Planning and Zoning Commission decision may be appealed to the Board of Commissioners.

The following standards are used by the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Commissioners to assist in making decisions.

Rezoning

A Rezoning is a change in the classification of a piece of property.

1. Is the proposed use suitable in view of the zoning and development of adjacent and nearby property?

    

2. Will the proposed use adversely affect the existing use or usability of adjacent or nearby property?

    

3. Are their substantial reasons why the property cannot or should not be used as currently zoned?

4.  

   Will the proposed use cause an excessive or burdensome use of public facilities or services, including but not limited to streets, schools, EMS, sheriff or fire protection?

    

5. Is the proposed use compatible with the purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Plan?

6.  

   Will the use be consistent with the purpose and intent of the proposed zoning district?

    

7. Is the proposed use supported by new or changing conditions not anticipated by the Comprehensive Plan?

    

8. Does the proposed use reflect a reasonable balance between the promotion of the public health, safety, morality, or general welfare and the right to unrestricted use of property?

Conditional Use

A Conditional Use is a type of use permitted in the zoning district but must be examined individually to ensure no harmful or undesirable effects on surrounding or nearby properties.

1.  

   Is the type of street providing access to the use adequate to serve the proposed conditional use?

2.  

   Is access into and out of the property adequate to provide for traffic and pedestrian safety, the anticipated volume of traffic flow, and access by emergency vehicles?

3.  

   Are public facilities such as schools, EMS, sheriff and fire protection adequate to serve the conditional use?

4.  

   Are refuse, service, parking and loading areas on the property located or screened to protect other properties in the area from such adverse effects as noise, light, glare or odor?

5.  

   Will the hours and manner of operation of the conditional use have no adverse effects on other properties in the area?

6.  

   Will the height, size, or location of the buildings or other structures on the property be compatible with the height, size or location of buildings or other structures on neighboring properties?

7.  

   Is the proposed conditional use consistent with the purpose and intent of the zoning ordinance?

Variance

A Variance is a permit issued by the Planning and Zoning Commission allowing the use of a parcel of land in a way that varies from the requirements for the district in which the property is located. Variances are granted because a hardship would result if the ordinance were applied stringently to the property. A hardship cannot be self-created, such as:

1. Will the variance cause substantial detriment to the public good or impair the purposes of this ordinance?

    

2. Is the spirit of this ordinance observed and the public safety and 

   welfare secured?

3.  

   Is the hardship related to conditions peculiar to the property and not a result of any action of the property owner?

Step 1: Zoning Determination

Is the property properly zoned for the proposed development?

Step 2: Use Determination

Is the use permitted in the zoning district?

Step 3: Development of Regional Impact (DRI) Determination

Step 4: Rezoning, Conditional Use, Variance Approval

If required, how do I apply for zoning approval?

Step 5: Conceptual Site Plan

Only required for a project which includes 3 or more businesses in the development.

If required, how do I apply for a conceptual site plan?

Step 6: Land Disturbing Permit

How do I apply for a Land Disturbing Permit?

Step 7: Building Permit

How do I apply for a Building Permit?

If you have any questions, please contact the Building and Zoning Department at (912) 489-1356 or email us at zoning@bullochcounty.net

Subdivision Regulations

Zoning

Standards for Off-Street Parking and Service Facilities

Zoning Code

Subdivision Code