DRI
Developments of Regional Impact
Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs) are large-scale developments that are likely to have regional effects beyond the local government jurisdiction in which they are located. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) requires local governments to submit developments that cross a certain threshold to the respective Regional Commission to begin a review process. If a local government does not comply with DRI rules, it can lose its Qualified Local Government status and thereby become ineligible for state funding.
The Coastal Regional Commission performs this review process for all local governments in its jurisdiction. Once a local government becomes aware of a development that crosses the DRI threshold, they should notify the CRC and submit 3 maps to the CRC:
a site plan from the applicant
a zoning map, with the site location clearly marked
a future land use or character areas map, with the site location clearly marked
Local governments may not take action on a project until the DRI process is complete. "Action" includes: rezoning, zoning variance, permit, hookup to a water or sewer system, subdivision or site plan approval, or entering into a contract.
On the DRI Online System, both forms must be filled out using the information provided by the applicant. Once all this is completed, the CRC will send a request for comment to relevant interested parties. The comment period lasts 15 days. At the end of the comment period, the CRC will send a final report to the local government, marking the end of the DRI review process. All CRC determinations are advisory; the local government has full authority to make any final determinations regarding the proposed development provided the DRI procedures have been followed.