Dawson County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Dawson County Land Use Resolution.

(Res. of 4-7-2023(1))

(a)

The purpose of this chapter is to advance and encourage the development of economically sound and stable land use patterns within the unincorporated areas of Dawson County, Georgia; and to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of certain conditions which may threaten the safety, health, morals, or general welfare of the citizens of Dawson County. In order to ensure this purpose is maintained and prevent arbitrary or unreasonable land use and districting decisions, this chapter has been prepared and is administered with guidance from the following:

(1)

Future land use/character area map (article VII of this chapter);

(2)

Present land use/zoning district map (article VI of this chapter);

(3)

Guidelines for granting amendments (article IX of this chapter);

(4)

Guidelines for granting variances (article VIII of this chapter); and

(5)

Georgia Zoning Procedures Law, as amended.

(b)

This chapter provides for the establishment of residential and agricultural land use/zoning districts; commercial and industrial land use/zoning districts; variance and amendment procedures; future and present land use district maps; administrative and enforcement procedures; general provisions; powers of various county officials; and definitions of terms used. This chapter has been prepared in accordance with and pursuant to the Constitution of the State of Georgia, 1983, article IX, section II, paragraph IV.

(c)

It is the purpose of this land use/zoning ordinance to promote the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Dawson County and visitors thereto. To these ends, this ordinance is intended to achieve, and is enacted for, the following purposes:

(1)

To guide and regulate the orderly growth, development, redevelopment and preservation of Dawson County in accordance with a well-considered comprehensive plan and with long-term objectives, principles and standards deemed beneficial to the interest and welfare of the people.

(2)

To protect the established character and the social and economic well-being of both private and public property.

(3)

To promote, in the public interest, the wise and appropriate utilization of land.

(4)

To provide for adequate light, air, convenience of access, and safety from fire, flood and other dangers.

(5)

To reduce or prevent congestion on public roads.

(6)

To facilitate the creation of a convenient, attractive and harmonious community.

(7)

To encourage an aesthetically attractive environment, both built and natural, and to provide for regulations that protect and enhance these aesthetic considerations.

(8)

To expedite the provision of adequate police and fire protection, safety from crime, disaster evacuation, civil defense, transportation, water, sewerage, flood protection, schools, parks, forests, playgrounds, recreational facilities, airports and other public requirements.

(9)

To protect against destruction of, or encroachment upon, historic areas.

(10)

To protect against overcrowding of land, overcrowding of population in relation to the community facilities existing or available, obstruction of light and air, danger and congestion in travel and transportation, and loss of life, health or property from fire, flood, or other danger.

(11)

To encourage economic development activities that provide desirable employment and enlarge the tax base.

(12)

To promote the preservation of the unique natural and physical resources of the county including forested areas, riverbeds, stream beds, and archaeological sites.

(13)

To achieve compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations.

(14)

To provide for protection of the constitutional rights and obligations of all citizens within the county.

(Res. of 4-7-2023(1); Ord. of 4-16-2026(1), § 25(Exh. A))

This chapter applies to all the land within the unincorporated areas within the political boundary of Dawson County, Georgia.

(Res. of 4-7-2023(1))