Community Development Department: Location In Brunswick, Ga

The Community Development Department in Brunswick, GA, is located at 1725 Reynolds St., Suite 200, Brunswick, GA 31520. The department is responsible for managing the physical growth, development, and redevelopment of Glynn County. It consists of six functional areas that work together to produce and protect the high quality of living that Glynn County residents expect. The department also has grant writers who identify potential grants that will benefit citizens directly or reduce local tax fund expenditure.

The Community Development Department is responsible for managing the physical growth, development, and redevelopment of Glynn County

The Community Development Department is located at 1725 Reynolds St. Suite 200, Brunswick, GA 31520. The department is responsible for managing the physical growth, development, and redevelopment of Glynn County. This includes coordinating infrastructure improvements to support development and producing and protecting the high quality of living that Glynn County residents expect. The department consists of six functional areas that work together in a cooperative effort.

The Community Development Department offers a range of services to the residents of Glynn County. These services include building inspections, reporting code violations, and providing online applications and permits. The department also has grants writers who identify potential grants that will benefit the citizens directly or reduce local tax fund expenditure.

In addition to the services provided by the Community Development Department, Glynn County also has a separate Downtown Development Authority. This organization is committed to the economic development, historic preservation, and beautification of Brunswick's core commercial areas. The Downtown Development Authority works to promote economic growth and community activities to bring people downtown and preserve the district character of the port city.

The Community Development Online Portal is another resource available to residents of Glynn County. This portal offers a range of services, including the submission of building inspection and planning and zoning applications, payment of application fees by credit card or eCheck, and the ability to track the progress of applications and retrieve reviewer comments.

Overall, the Community Development Department plays a crucial role in managing the physical growth, development, and redevelopment of Glynn County, ensuring that the county can continue to thrive and provide a high quality of life for its residents.

The department consists of six functional areas that work together to produce and protect the high quality of living in Glynn County

The Community Development Department is located at 1725 Reynolds St. Suite 200, Brunswick, GA 31520. The department is responsible for overseeing the physical growth, development, and redevelopment of Glynn County, as well as coordinating infrastructure improvements to support this development.

The six functional areas of the Community Development Department are:

• Development Review: This includes building inspections, code enforcement, and the issuance of permits and violations.
• Planning & Zoning: This division guides the appropriate growth and development of Glynn County to create a successful and pleasant community. They ensure that new development and redevelopment follow the necessary procedures and standards and that the resulting community is functional and meets the expectations of its citizens.
• Infrastructure Improvements: The department coordinates infrastructure improvements to support the county's development, including new roads, sewers, and other public facilities.
• Grant Writing: The department has grant writers who identify potential grants that will benefit the citizens directly or reduce local tax fund expenditures.
• Compliance Monitoring: This includes ensuring that all construction follows the necessary building codes and permits, which are designed with consideration of Brunswick's location in a hurricane-prone area.
• Community Engagement: The department works closely with citizens and leaders of Glynn County to understand their expectations and ensure that the development meets their quality and functionality standards.

Through these six functional areas, the Community Development Department of Glynn County strives to produce and protect the high quality of living that its residents expect and deserve.

The Planning & Zoning department guides the future growth, improvement, and development of the city

The Planning & Zoning department administers the City's Zoning Ordinance and ensures that all development is in compliance with the City's Comprehensive Plan. This involves reviewing building and development applications to ensure they meet the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan. The department also manages planning and zoning applications, facilitating their review by the Planning and Appeals Commission and the City Commission. In September 2023, the Planning Department, in collaboration with the Planning and Appeals Commission and the City Commission, adopted an updated Zoning Ordinance to keep pace with the city's evolving needs.

The planning process is crucial as it fosters a shared understanding of the community's current state, its aspirations, and the means to achieve them. This understanding then informs the actions taken by the Planning & Zoning department, which, in turn, shape the community's physical environment. These actions encompass a range of considerations, such as regulating development to ensure it aligns with zoning regulations and the city's vision for the future, providing essential infrastructure to support the community's needs, and managing the environment to maintain a sustainable and healthy living space for residents.

The Planning & Zoning department plays a pivotal role in striking a balance between economic development and historic preservation. Brunswick, with its historic downtown, has a rich history that dates back to 1771. The department's work ensures that the city's growth and improvement are done in a way that preserves its unique character and historical significance. This includes initiatives such as the Downtown Development Authority, which is dedicated to economic development and the beautification of the city's core commercial areas while also preserving its historic charm.

In addition to the Planning & Zoning department's work, the Community Development Department of Glynn County, where Brunswick is located, also plays a crucial role in managing the physical growth, development, and redevelopment of the area. This department focuses on coordinating infrastructure improvements to support the county's development and maintaining the high quality of life expected by its residents.

The Brunswick Downtown Development Authority was activated in 1981 and is committed to the economic development, historic preservation, and beautification of Brunswick's core commercial areas

The Brunswick Downtown Development Authority (BDDA) has been committed to the economic development, historic preservation, and beautification of Brunswick's core commercial areas since its activation in 1981.

Brunswick, Georgia, was founded in 1771 and has long been known for its regional growth. The city's historic downtown has played a pivotal role in its development, facilitating expansion in government, business, agriculture, education, and residential living. Recognising the importance of a robust core for a prosperous and sustainable community, Brunswick was designated a Main Street City in 1986 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This designation affirmed the intertwined nature of Brunswick's history and its ongoing development.

The BDDA operates in conjunction with Main Street Brunswick as two organisations working as one. This collaboration is dedicated to enhancing the district character of Brunswick, a charming coastal port city. Their mission is to ensure the long-term stability of downtown Brunswick by attracting people to the area through economic growth and community activities. The BDDA strives to create a vibrant and progressive downtown atmosphere with entertainment, restaurants, shops, and unique appeal.

The BDDA also recognises the importance of community involvement in achieving its goals. Their board meetings are open to the public, and they encourage community members to attend and participate in shaping the direction of downtown Brunswick. The organisation is committed to strengthening the community and enhancing the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit the area.

Through their efforts, the BDDA has helped make Brunswick an exceptional place in Georgia, fostering a strong sense of community and a thriving economic centre. Their work in preserving the city's history while promoting economic development showcases their dedication to the long-term prosperity and well-being of Brunswick and its residents.

The Planning and Zoning staff manage Planning and Zoning applications and facilitate their review by the Planning and Appeals Commission and the City Commission

The Planning and Zoning staff play a crucial role in shaping the future of Brunswick, Georgia. They are responsible for managing Planning and Zoning applications, ensuring the city's development aligns with the City's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance. This involves guiding the city's growth, improvement, and development while adhering to specific regulations and standards.

The Planning and Zoning staff work closely with the Planning and Appeals Commission (PAC) and the City Commission to facilitate the review of applications. The PAC, composed of experienced professionals in various fields, processes applications related to recommendations for the Comprehensive Plan, annexation, rezoning, and special use. They also make decisions on variances, administrative appeals, and other powers assigned by the City Commission or implied by the Zoning Code.

The Planning and Zoning staff's role is to guide applicants through the process, ensuring their proposals meet the required standards and regulations. They provide expertise and support, facilitating a smooth and efficient review process by the PAC and the City Commission. This collaborative effort ensures that any proposed developments are in line with the city's vision and meet the necessary criteria.

The Planning and Zoning staff's management of applications includes reviewing Building and Development applications. They ensure that any construction or alterations to buildings, structures, and systems comply with the City's Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan. This process involves inspections to guarantee the safety of the property owner and their guests. The staff also work with the Planning and Appeals Commission to adopt updated ordinances, ensuring that the city's regulations remain current and relevant.

The Planning and Zoning staff's work is integral to the orderly and controlled development of Brunswick, Georgia. Their management of applications and collaboration with the Planning and Appeals Commission and the City Commission help shape the city's future while preserving its historic character and charm. This process ensures that Brunswick's growth is well-planned, compliant with regulations, and in the best interests of the community.

Frequently asked questions