This department is headed by the Planning Director. It has three primary functions – land use planning, grant writing and administration, and property maintenance code enforcement.
Land Use Planning
The planning function includes the review of a variety of applications related to the use of land. The staff processes applications for items considered by the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals such as zoning changes, subdivision plats, conditional uses, and variances. Staff provides zoning review of applications handled primarily by other departments such as building permits, business licenses, and alcoholic beverage permits. The director serves as the zoning administrator and is responsible for the interpretation and enforcement of the zoning and subdivision regulations.
The department is also responsible for long range planning of the community. The department must fulfill the requirements of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for preparing and updating the city’s comprehensive land use plan as well as the short-term work program, which is a requisite companion of the comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan is a guide for the future physical growth and development of the community. The Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Mayor and City Council use the document when making land use decisions.
Grant Writing and Administration
The department prepares grant applications and administers grants for some projects sponsored by the City of Statesboro. The most recent grants have been in the form of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and Transportation Enhancement Grants from the Georgia Department of Transportation. Recent CDBG funds have been used to develop infrastructure in the Statesboro Pointe subdivision and to assist Habitat for Humanity purchase property in that subdivision. The department is administering two Transportation Enhancement Grants that will be used to enhance portions of East and West Main Streets by moving overhead utilities underground and providing new sidewalks, street lighting, benches, and landscaping.
Property Maintenance Code Enforcement
Property maintenance code enforcement is carried out by the City Marshal. This includes tall grass and weeds, junk vehicles, dilapidated structures, and accumulation of trash and rubbish. The City Marshal also assists in the enforcement of the zoning ordinance.
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