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Planning commission approves UDO change to count permeable pavement toward lot coverage
Summary
Bryan County planners voted to amend UDO language so permeable pavements are counted toward maximum lot coverage, a change staff said preserves open-yard intent while accounting for new pavement technologies.
BRYAN COUNTY, GA ' The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a text amendment to Bryan County's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to include permeable pavement options in the calculation of lot coverage.
Planning staff explained that current UDO language counts only impervious surfaces toward lot-coverage limits. As new permeable pavement technologies have become more common, developers have sought to expand developed surfaces using permeable materials. Staff said including permeable surfaces in the lot-coverage calculation would prevent developers from using permeable products to effectively increase a lot's developed footprint and would better preserve open yards and the character intended by the zoning districts.
Staff clarified the amendment does not change the maximum allowed lot-coverage percentages assigned to each zoning district; it changes which surfaces are counted in that percentage. Commissioners asked about homeowner impacts (driveway extensions, patios and pools) and learned the amendment would apply across districts and that administrative review currently handles some coverage adjustments; a variance could still be sought where appropriate.
The Commission closed the public hearing and approved the amendment to section 114-612(c) of the UDO. The recommendation will be forwarded to the county commissioners for final action.
