Georgia Mountains Regional Development Center

The Georgia Mountains RDC, through a contractual agreement with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), is responsible for administering the State of Georgia's DEVELOPMENTS OF REGIONAL IMPACT (DRI) Review Process for the 13-counties and 38-muncipalities within the Georgia Mountains Region. This web site is intended to be an informational resource and clearinghouse for local government officials and agencies, developers, citizens, and other interested parties.

The DRI Process within GMRDC’s Region
Under the Georgia Planning Act of 1989, certain large-scale developments that are likely to have an impact beyond a host local government’s jurisdiction are subject to review as Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs).

The Review is an advisory process intended to improve communications among various government entities and to allow for a process by which host local governments are able to make "better-informed" decision regarding the various impacts that developments have on our communities. It provides a clear means for identifying and assessing potential impacts of developments before conflicts arise. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) established the rules and regulations for the review process and created certain thresholds by size, type, and location for determining whether a development qualifies as a DRI.

Under these rules and regulations, local governments are required to submit every potential DRI being consider for governmental approval for review and comment in order to maintain their Qualified Local Government (QLG) status. This approval can be any government action (including but not limited to re-zoning, re-zoning w/annexation, zoning variance, permitting, utility hook-ups, master or site plan approval, etc.) which furthers a project in the development stages. Once submitted, the DRI’s are forwarded to the respective Regional Development Center (RDC) for determination of a potential DRI’s threshold qualification(s) and if applicable for review. Each RDC is responsible for conducting DRI reviews within there respective region and for issuing review findings as to whether or not a development is to be considered “In the Best Interest of the State.” This finding is strictly advisory and at the end of the review, the host local government retains the authority to make the final decision on whether or not to approve the development.

For more information about Georgia’s DRI process please go to DCA’s website at

http://www.georgiaplanning.com/planners/dri/

Related DRI Information Documents

DRI Frequently Asked Questions

DCA's DRI Rules and Regulations

DRI Tiers/Thresholds

DRI Tier Map 2005

DRI PowerPoint Presentations:

Non-GRTA DRIs

GRTA DRIs (Forsyth County Only)

GMRDC’s Requirements for the DRI:

To assist in the review process the Georgia Mountains RDC requires that every applicant provide the following items, preferably in both hard copy and electronic format:

Forms 1 and 2 (completed online at the DRI homepage). The host government is responsible for accuracy of information.
Site/Conceptual Development Plans – At least one 8.5x11” or 11x17” is required. Color versions and additional larger copies are encouraged.
Preliminary Hydrology Study/Stormwater Management Plan – In the absence of having a hydrology study at the time of application, a map referencing the topographic conditions of the finished development is required, indicating the direction of stormwater runoff, likely locations of any retention ponds or mitigation measures, etc.
Traffic Impact Study - (study area to be determined by GMRDC or GRTA, if applicable). For projects outside GRTA purview, an estimation of total vehicle trips per day is required, along with indications of different counts for peak hour and/or weekend traffic, location of sidewalks and any required transportation improvements.
Project Summary/Description – This can be provided within the GMRDC required questionnaire (#6 below) or as a separate document.
DRI Questionnaire - Available here

Other documents such as environmental impact analyses, Section 106 reviews or other pertinent information that would be helpful as part of the review process may be requested by the GMRDC. If you have any questions please feel free to contact: