Some areas of Georgia need to continue to grow and expand. This requires municipal authorities to determine how to best use the available land in order to accommodate growth and preserve the environment. A great deal of land-use planning requires a balance of these two needs.
The primary uses for land include residential, commercial and industrial, along with parks and institutional. Determining the best use for a particular piece of land depends on numerous factors. Limitations need to be put on developers in order to protect the health and welfare of residents in the area, along with the environment. Sometimes those goals align, but in other cases, they may not.
A number of federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations must also be adhered to when determining how a particular piece of land may be used. Even issues such as weather patterns and their consequences also need consideration. Mitigating any potential hazards to the existing ecosystem require attention as well. In some instances, stopping or restricting development in a certain area may be the only way to go. These and other factors make planning a challenge.
While some of the decisions made during land-use planning may not be governed by legalities, many are. Understanding the laws that apply to a particular piece of land at every level can be frustrating, and failing to adhere to them could cause problems down the line. It may be advantageous to consult with a Georgia environmental law attorney before making any decisions. Doing so could save everyone time, frustration and money during the planning process and beyond.
Source: toolkit.climate.gov, “Planning and Land Use“, Accessed on Jan. 7, 2018