Rule 110-34-1-.05 - Application for Designation(1) Eligible applicants must apply for Rural Zone designation under this program in a format and manner prescribed by the Department of Community Affairs. Applications may be submitted in writing to the Department at: Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Rural Zone Program
Community Development & Finance Division
60 Executive Park South, NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30329-2231
(2) To be eligible to apply for such designation, local governments must meet all of the following criteria: (a) Have a population of less than 15,000 based upon the most recently published U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey's most recent population estimates;(b) Proof of economic distress based on poverty rate, vacancy of the downtown area, or blight;(c) Possess a concentration of historic commercial structures at least 50 years old within the targeted area;(d) Submit a feasibility study or market analysis identifying the business activities which can be supported in the targeted area; and(e) Develop a master plan or strategic plan designed to assist private and public investment.(3) Local commitment - Eligible applicants demonstrating strong local commitment to the redevelopment of downtown may make a compelling case for designation. Such local commitment may include, but not be limited to, partnerships and initiatives with local banks or other financial institutions, development authorities or through locally developed plans.(4) The Department of Community Affairs will develop application guidelines and instructions. Applications will include but not be limited to the following:(a) A cover letter to the Commissioner of Community Affairs and the Commissioner of Economic Development requesting designation must be prepared and signed by an authorized representative of the local government applying for the Rural Zone designation. If the applicant is not the municipality in which the program will take place, concurrence must be received from the applicable local government.(b) Economic Distress 1.Documentation submitted with the request must prove economic distress based on poverty rate, blight or vacancy in the downtown area.(c) Maps 1.Digital GIS files detailing the proposed Rural Zone (i.e. shapefiles or geodatabase feature classes with prj). Applicant may submit maps via CD or Internet file transfer program provided by DCA. Digital maps should include individual boundary polygons as listed below: (i) Parcel file (just the parcels in the proposed Rural Zone) that includes parcel ID number;(ii) Boundary file for the proposed Rural Zone; and(iii) Identification of historic structures (fifty years or greater), vacant parcels and blighted parcels.(d) Feasibility Study/Market Analysis - A feasibility study or market analysis of the downtown area and businesses which can be supported in the target area is required. This analysis shall evaluate the existing mix of businesses and industries within the community/proposed Rural Zone and determine what businesses/industries have a strong likelihood of succeeding within the proposed zone.(e) Strategic Plan/Master Plan - Submission of a plan is required to help the community guide public and private investment is required. This plan shall conform with the requirements set forth in the application by the Department of Community Affairs.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 110-34-1-.05
O.C.GA § 50-8-2.
Original Rule entitled "Application for Designation" adopted. F. August 23, 2017; eff. September 12, 2017, as specified by the Agency.