Rule 110-12-4-.01 - Purpose and Overview(1)General. The Georgia Planning Act authorizes the Department of Community Affairs (the Department) to establish specific rules and procedures for the identification of Regionally Important Resources, development of a plan for protection and management of these resources, and for review of activities potentially impacting these resources. These specific rules and procedures are provided herein and are applicable to all local governments and Regional Commissions in the State. The intent of the these rules and procedures is: (1) enhanced focus on protection and management of important natural and cultural resources throughout the state; (2) careful consideration of, and planning for, impacts of new development on these important resources; and (3) improved local, regional and state level coordination in protecting and managing of these important resources. (2) Overview. The rules require that:(a) Regional Commissions involve regional stakeholders in a comprehensive effort to identify the important natural and cultural resources in the region.(b) Regional Commissions prepare a comprehensive RegionalResource Plan for protection and management of the identified resources. This plan must include the following components: (1) a Regionally Important Resource Map for the region that includes all of the important natural and cultural resources and attempts to link these to form a continuous regional green infrastructure network; (2)Guidance for Appropriate Development Practicesthat should be utilized by developers for designing new developments to be located within one mile of Regionally Important Resources; and (3)General Policies and Protection Measures that should be utilized by local governments in making decisions that affect Regionally Important Resources. (Specific requirements for this plan are covered in more detail in section 110-12-4-.02(2).)(c) The Regional Resource Plan is submitted for review and comment by the Department and other affected parties before it is formally adopted and implemented by the Regional Commission. (Specific procedures for this review are covered in more detail in section 110-12-4-.02(3).)(d) The Regional Resource Plan is utilized in subsequent development of the Regional Plan and is actively promulgated by the Regional Commission in an effort to coordinate activities and planning of local governments, land trusts and conservation or environmental protection groups active in the region, and state agencies toward protection and management of the identified Regionally Important Resources. (Specific requirements for promulgating the plan are covered in more detail in section 110-12-4-.02(4).)(3) Changes and Interpretation. These rules and regulations may from time to time be revised by the Department pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act. The Department is the final authority for interpretation of these rules. Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 110-12-4-.01
O.C.G.A. Secs. 50-8-7, 50-8-7.1et seq.
Original Rule entitled "Purpose" adopted. F. Mar. 21, 1997; eff. May 1, 1997, as specified by the Agency.Repealed: New Rule entitled "Purpose and Overview" adopted. F. Feb. 12, 2009; eff. July 1, 2009, as specified by the Agency.