• 912.764.6245
  • info@bullochcounty.net
  • Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00pm
Search
Close
Facebook-f Instagram Youtube
  • Home
  • Commissioners
  • Departments
    • Administration
      • Clerk of the Board
      • County Manager
      • Engineering
      • Finance
      • Human Resources
      • Legal
      • Government Buildings
      • Tax Assessors
      • Tax Commissioner
    • Elections
    • Development
      • Code Enforcement
      • Licensing
      • Permitting
      • Planning and Zoning
      • Timber Harvest
    • Judicial
      • Clerk of Courts
      • Superior Court
      • Magistrate Court
      • State Court
      • Solicitor
      • Probate Court
      • Accountability Court
    • Parks & Recreation
    • Public Safety
      • E911
      • Animal Services
      • Coroner
      • Correctional Institute
      • Emergency Management
      • EMS
      • Fire
      • Hazard Mitigation
      • Probation
      • Sheriff
    • Public Works
      • Airport
      • Roads
      • Solid Waste
  • Community Services
    • Attractions
      • Averitt Center for the Arts
      • Botanical Garden
      • Farmers Market
      • Mill Creek Regional Park
      • Museum
      • Performing Arts Center
      • Raptor Center
      • Splash in the Boro
    • Community Services
      • County Extension/4H
      • Center for Agriculture
      • Library
      • Senior Center
    • Court Calendars
    • Education
    • General Information
    • Hospital
    • Housing
    • Serve on a Committee
  • Employment
  • Bid Opportunities
  • Events
Menu
  • Home
  • Commissioners
  • Departments
    • Administration
      • Clerk of the Board
      • County Manager
      • Engineering
      • Finance
      • Human Resources
      • Legal
      • Government Buildings
      • Tax Assessors
      • Tax Commissioner
    • Elections
    • Development
      • Code Enforcement
      • Licensing
      • Permitting
      • Planning and Zoning
      • Timber Harvest
    • Judicial
      • Clerk of Courts
      • Superior Court
      • Magistrate Court
      • State Court
      • Solicitor
      • Probate Court
      • Accountability Court
    • Parks & Recreation
    • Public Safety
      • E911
      • Animal Services
      • Coroner
      • Correctional Institute
      • Emergency Management
      • EMS
      • Fire
      • Hazard Mitigation
      • Probation
      • Sheriff
    • Public Works
      • Airport
      • Roads
      • Solid Waste
  • Community Services
    • Attractions
      • Averitt Center for the Arts
      • Botanical Garden
      • Farmers Market
      • Mill Creek Regional Park
      • Museum
      • Performing Arts Center
      • Raptor Center
      • Splash in the Boro
    • Community Services
      • County Extension/4H
      • Center for Agriculture
      • Library
      • Senior Center
    • Court Calendars
    • Education
    • General Information
    • Hospital
    • Housing
    • Serve on a Committee
  • Employment
  • Bid Opportunities
  • Events
Contact Us

Planning & Zoning

Our Mission is to promote orderly growth, development, redevelopment and preservation of the unincorporated areas of Bulloch County; to administer the following ordinances and plans related to development: Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, Flood Ordinance, Tower Ordinance, Sign Ordinance, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Ordinance, Building Ordinance and Manufactured Home Ordinance.

 

With regard to current zoning and development issues, the staff will focus on implementing the growth management measures recommended with Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map to be updated in June 2009. Development ordinance changes being considered include provisions for conservation subdivision regulation, stormwater controls, and overlay protection districts for the Statesboro-Bulloch County Airport and major commercial corridors leading to Statesboro.

 

At the close of FY 2019 the Board of Commissioners approved the Bulloch County Comprehensive Plan Update which will provide new challenges for the department.

 

The Planning and Zoning Board meets every 2nd Thursday of the month at 6 pm. 

2022 Plan Amendment Announcements and Documents
Return to Development Services

Contact

Patrick Patton

Development Services Manager

  • (912) 489-1356
  • 115 North Main Street, Statesboro
Planning & Zoning Board Agenda & Minutes

Zoning

Applications

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

 
Development of Regional Impact
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?
Type of Development
Description
 
Office
Greater than 400,000 gross square feet.
 
Commercial
 
 
Greater than 300,000 gross square feet.
 
Wholesale and Distribution
 
Greater than 500,000 gross square feet.
 
 
Hospitals and Health Care Facilities
 
 
Greater than 300 new beds; or generating more than 375 peak hour vehicle trips per day.
 
Housing
 
 
Greater than 400 new lots or units.
Industrial
 
 
Greater than 500,000 gross square feet; or employing more than 1,600 workers; or covering more than 400 acres.
 
Hotels
 
 
Greater than 400 rooms.
 
Mixed Use
 
Gross square feet greater than 400,000 (with residential units calculated at 1,800 square feet per unit toward the total gross square footage); or covering more than 120 acres; or if any of the individual uses meet or exceeds a threshold as identified herein.
 
Airports
 
All new airports, runways and runway extensions.
Attractions and 
Recreational Facilities
 
 
Greater than 1,500 parking spaces or a seating capacity of more than 6,000.
Post-Secondary School
 
 
New school with a capacity of more than 2,400 students, or expansion by at least 25 percent of capacity.
Waste Handling Facilities
 
 
 
 
New facility or expansion of use of an existing facility by 50 percent or more.
Quarries, Asphalt and Cement Plants
 
 
New facility or expansion of use of an existing facility by more than 50 percent.
Wastewater Treatment Facilities
 
 
New facility or expansion of use of an existing facility by more than 50 percent.
Petroleum Storage Facilities
 
 
Storage greater than 50,000 barrels if within 1,000 feet of any water supply; otherwise, storage capacity greater than 200,000 barrels.
Water Supply Intakes / Reservoirs
 
 
New facilities.
Intermodal Terminals
 
 
New Facilities.
Truck Stops
 
 
A new facility with more than three diesel fuel pumps; or containing a half acre of truck parking or 10 truck parking spaces.
 
 
Any other development types not identified
100 parking spaces.
 
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
Current Zoning Requests

Click Here for Current Zoning Request

Zoning Guidelines
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.
Zoning Standards
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?
Development Process
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?
 
What is Permitted use & Conditional Use?
 
Permitted use
A use that is granted by right in the zoning district. No additional zoning approval is required for a use permitted in the zoning district.
 
Conditional use
A use that may cause harmful or undesirable effects on surrounding or nearby properties within a given zoning district, but would in the opinion of the Board of Commissioners promote the public health, safety, morals, welfare, order, comfort, convenience, appearance, prosperity, or general welfare if such uses were controlled as to number, area, location, or relation to the neighborhood or upon any other standard provided by this Zoning Ordinance. A conditional use must be heard by the Planning and Zoning Commission and a final decision made by the Board of Commissioners.
 
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
Ordinances

Subdivision Regulations

Zoning

Standards for Off-Street Parking and Service Facilities

Zoning Code

Subdivision Code

 

Planning

Master Planning

Airport Master Plan

Parks and Recreation Master Plan – 2010

Comprehensive Planning

Comprehensive Plan Process

SMART Bulloch 2040 Comprehensive Plan

Service Delivery Strategy

Service Delivery Strategy

Transportation

Long Range Transportation Plan / Appendix

Sub-Area Study and Policy Guide Report

Origin-Destination Survey Report

Transportation Impact Fee Exploratory Report

Transit Development Study

Solid Waste Management Plan

Water Supply Management Plan

Copyright © 2023 · BullochCounty.net, Bulloch County GA
Davis Marketing Company