This is the second of three items associated with the adoption of NewZO, the City of Savannah’s new zoning ordinance.

The Mayor and Aldermen must adopt standards governing the exercise of the zoning power as provided in §O.C.G.A. 36-66-5(b). These standards may include any factors which the Mayor and Aldermen find relevant in balancing the interest in promoting the health, safety, morality or general welfare against the right to the unrestricted use of property.

As outlined in Section 3.5.11 of the City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance (NewZO), these standards include:

• Suitability and Community Need

  • Whether the range of uses permitted by the proposed zoning district is more suitable than the range of uses that is permitted by the current zoning district

  • Whether the proposed zoning district addresses a specific need in the county or city

• Compatibility

• Whether the zoning proposal will adversely affect the existing use or usability of adjacent or nearby property

• Whether the zoning proposal is compatible with the present zoning pattern and conforming uses of nearby property and the character of the surrounding area.

• Whether there are other existing or changing conditions affecting the use and development of the property which give supporting grounds for either approval or disapproval of the zoning proposal

• Consistency

  • Whether the zoning proposal is in conformity with the policy and intent of the Comprehensive Plan and other adopted plans, such as a redevelopment plan or small area plan

• Reasonable Use

• Whether the property to be affected by the zoning proposal has a reasonable use as currently zoned

• Adequate Public Services

  • Whether adequate school, public safety and emergency facilities, road, ingress and egress, parks, wastewater treatment, water supply and stormwater drainage facilities are available for the uses and densities that are permitted in the proposed zoning district.

• Proximity to a Military Base, Installation or Airport

Once the public hearing concludes, these standards governing the exercise of the zoning power will be officially adopted when Mayor and Aldermen approve the City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance and corresponding Official Zoning Map (NewZO).

Approval