Pursuant to the authority conferred by the 1983 Georgia State Constitution, Article IX, Section II, Paragraph IV, and for the purpose of promoting health, safety, convenience, order, prosperity and general welfare of the present and future inhabitants of Stephens County, including among other purposes:

(1)

Promoting (a) classification of land uses, (b) distribution of land uses, and (c) land development and land utilization, as will tend to protect and promote desirable living conditions and the sustained stability of neighborhoods;

(2)

Preventing incompatible uses;

(3)

Conserving and protecting the county's precious natural resources, while encouraging the efficient management of their uses;

(4)

Preserving buildings, structures and uses in areas having national, regional, state or local historic or environmental significance;

(5)

Protecting rural character, farmland and open space;

(6)

The lessening of congestion on the streets;

(7)

Protecting property against blight and depreciation;

(8)

Maintaining the value of buildings;

(9)

Facilitating the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage service, schools, parks, and other public requirements;

(10)

Improving the aesthetic appearance of the county;

(11)

Securing safety from flood, fire, panic and other dangers;

(12)

Promoting health and general welfare;

(13)

Providing plentiful light and clean air;

(14)

Securing economy in governmental expenditures; and

(15)

Encouraging the most appropriate use of land and structures throughout Stephens County.

All in accordance with the official zoning map of the comprehensive plan for the development and conservation of Stephens County, the county commission does hereby ordain and enact into law the following articles and sections. Any reference herein to maps or zoning maps shall mean the official zoning map.

(Ord. No. 2024-17, 7-23-2024)