Rule 110-12-4-.03 - Definitions(1) For the purpose of these rules, the following words will have the meaning as contained herein unless the context does not permit such meaning. Terms not defined in these rules but defined in O.C.G.A. 50-8-1et seq., will have the meanings contained therein. Terms not defined in these rules, or in O.C.G.A. 50-8-1et seq., will have ascribed to them the ordinary accepted meanings such as the context may imply. (a)"Affected Parties" means: 1) any local governments located inside the region; 2) any local, state, or federal agencies including the Department that have interest in protection and management of Regionally Important Resources; 3) the host Regional Commission as well as Regional Commission s that are contiguous to the region or that are likely to be affected by the Regional Resource Plan; and 3) any private or non-profit sector organizations that have interest in protection and management of Regionally Important Resources and that are active in the region. This term should be liberally construed to ensure that all potentially affected local governments, public agencies, private or non-profit organizations are included.(b)"Council" means the Board of Directors of a Regional Commission.(c) "Days" means calendar days.(d) "Department" means the Department of Community Affairs.(e) "Development of Regional Impact" means any project that exceeds the minimum thresholds established by the Department.(f) "Environmental Planning Criteria" means the standards and procedures with respect to natural resources, the environment, and vital areas of the state established and administered by the Department of Natural Resources pursuant to O.C.G.A. 12-2-8, including, but not limited to, criteria for the protection of water supply watersheds, groundwater recharge areas, wetlands, protected mountains and protected river corridors.(g) "Green Infrastructure Network" means a strategically planned and managed network of wilderness, parks, greenways, conservation easements, and working lands with conservation value that benefits wildlife and people, supports native species, maintains natural ecological processes, sustains air and water resources, links urban settings to rural ones, and contributes to the health and quality of life for the communities and citizens sharing this network. The network should encompasses a wide range of elements, including: natural areas - such as wetlands, woodlands, waterways, and wildlife habitat; public and private conservation lands - such as nature preserves, wildlife corridors, greenways, and parks; and public and private working lands of conservation value - such as forests, farms, and ranches. It should also incorporate outdoor recreation and trail networks.(h) "Interjurisdictional" means among two or more local governments or Regional Commissions.(i) "Local Government" means any county, municipality, consolidated government or other political subdivision of the state.(j) "Qualified Local Government" means a county or municipality that: Adopts and maintains a comprehensive plan in conformity with the local planning requirements;
Establishes regulations consistent with its comprehensive plan and with the local planning requirements; and
Does not fail to participate in the Department's mediation or other means of resolving conflicts in a manner in which, in the judgment of the Department, reflects a good faith effort to resolve any conflict.
(k) "Region" means the territorial area within the boundaries of operation of an Regional Commission.(l) "Regional Commission" means any commission established under O.C.G.A. 50-8-32(effective July 1, 2009).(m) "Regionally Important Resource" means any natural or cultural resource area identified for protection by an Regional Commission following the minimum requirements established by the Department.(n)"Regional Resource Plan" means a plan for management and protection of the Regionally Important Resources in the region. It includes the following components: (1)a Regionally Important Resource Map for the region; (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.(o)"State Planning Recommendations" means the supplemental guidance provided by the Department to assist local governments and Regional Commission s in preparing and implementing local and regional plans.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 110-12-4-.03
O.C.G.A. Secs. 12-2-8, 50-8-1et seq., 50-8-7, 50-8-7.1et seq., 50-8-32.
Original Rule entitled "Duties and Responsibilities" adopted. F. Mar. 21, 1997; eff. May 1, 1997, as specified by the Agency.Repealed: New Rule entitled "Definitions" adopted. F. Feb. 12, 2009; eff. July 1, 2009, as specified by the Agency.