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Tift County proposes zoning code changes to restrict where new private schools may locate
Summary
Community Development Director Chad Branch said the UDC amendment would allow newly established private schools only in AG, CC, GB or WLI zoning subject to supplemental standards, narrowing the current practice of allowing both public and private schools in every zoning classification.
Community Development Director Chad Branch presented a proposed text amendment to the Unified Development Code (UDC) to add supplemental standards for private schools.
"As it currently stands both public and private schools are allowable in every zoning classification. However, public schools are subject to additional layers of State regulation that do not apply to private schools," Chad Branch said. He explained the amendment would allow newly established private schools to locate in Agricultural (AG), Commercial Corridor (CC), General Business (GB) or WLI zoning districts only if they meet newly established supplemental standards. Branch said the Greater Tift County Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval on Oct. 10, 2024.
Why it matters: The change would narrow where new private schools can locate by imposing supplemental standards similar to the additional oversight applied to public schools, affecting developers, religious organizations and parents seeking private-school sites.
Details: The proposal is recorded as Resolution No. 2024-12 and adds a new Section 5-73 and amends Section 5-72 and 4.03.28 of the UDC Usage Table (Chapter 2) to establish the supplemental standards. Staff recommended forwarding the amendment to the Nov. 12 meeting for formal consideration by the Board.
Next steps: The Board will consider the text amendment at the Nov. 12 regular meeting; staff noted the planning commission had unanimously recommended approval.
