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GENERAL INFORMATION

The Board of Commissioners officially adopted the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) on December 8, 2020, with an effective date of January 12, 2021.  The UDO repealed and replaced the County's Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances, including Appendices A-C.  The Interim Development Ordinance (IDO) was repealed effective January 12, 2021.  Any zoning or subdivision project submitted on or after January 12, 2021, will need to comply with the UDO.  The UDO has now been codified in Chapter 114 of Municode. 

With the adoption of the UDO, the County's Official Zoning Map was updated and approved by the Board of Commissioners at their January 12, 2021, meeting.  Community Development prints the Official Zoning Map in January of each calendar year.  These maps identify zoning amendments adopted during the prior calendar year.  The January 2024 maps are available below.  The Official Zoning Map, with amendments approved during the calendar year, is available on the GIS webpage.

Zoning Map

South Bryan Zoning Map

North Bryan Zoning Map

WHAT IS NEW WITH THE UDO

With the adoption of the UDO, the Community Development Department will be implementing new regulations, procedures, and processes.  Community Development is making every effort to implement the UDO requirements in order to fulfill the vision and goals of the citizens of Bryan County.  Keep checking this webpage for updates and information.

Amendments to the UDO

The Board of Commissioners have approved the following amendments to the UDO.  Dates of meeting are noted.  Until these amendments are codified in Municode, copies of the signed ordinances may be obtained from the Clerk to the Bryan County Board of Commissioners. 

Technical Standard Adoptions

The Engineering Department has adopted the following technical standards in accordance with UDO Section 114-430.

Design Guidelines

Prior to the adoption of the UDO, the Board of Commissioners adopted an Interim Development Ordinance (IDO). The IDO implemented design guidelines for new residential and non-residential buildings.  Using the IDO design guidelines as a starting point, the UDO implemented final design standards for all new residential buildings in major subdivisions and non-residential buildings in unincorporated Bryan County.   These design standards are in Article VIII of the UDO.  One of the first non-residential buildings to be constructed under these standards was the Dollar General in Blitchton.   New design standards include stamped concrete, pedestrian connectivity, window offsets (awnings over windows),  deemphasizing signage (smaller scale) on a building, and roofline articulation (avoiding a flat roof line). 

  Aerial Image of Dollar General Site

 Front of Dollar General

 Dollar General Front Entrance

Staff will continue to post pictures of buildings constructed under the new design standards. As new development occurs, staff welcomes the input of the residents of Bryan County on the implementation and results of these design standards.

Rezoning Requests

With the adoption of the UDO, additional requirements for rezoning applications are now in effect.

Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan

 Prior to the adoption of the UDO, a rezoning application could be submitted and approved without the requested zoning district being consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, including the Future Land Use Map.  Starting with the effective date of the UDO, all rezoning requests must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map.  If such a request is inconsistent, the applicant must submit a request for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment.  Both applications may be considered concurrently.

Two Readings of the Ordinance

Rezoning requests function as amendments to the County's Code of Ordinances.  Such amendments require two readings of the ordinance, which occur at separate Board of Commissioners meetings.  Typically, first reading will occur prior to the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, and staff will provide a brief overview of the request to the Board of Commissioners.  No vote or public hearing will occur at first reading.  Second reading and public hearing will occur after the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.

Traffic Impact Analysis

While not a new requirement, the UDO maintained the requirement for a Traffic Impact Analysis/Traffic Design Analysis for proposed rezoning projects that meet the traffic generation threshold requirements identified in Section 114-428(c)(2) or Section 114-428(d).  Rezoning applications will not be reviewed or considered if a Traffic Impact Analysis or Traffic Design Analysis is required.  If you have any questions about this requirement, contact the Community Development Department.