City of Augusta Now Offering Expedited Plan Review Program
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021
The City of Augusta has launched the Augusta-Richmond County Expedited Plan Review (EPR) Program for those seeking accelerated review of commercial site and residential development plans and permits for development projects. The program is a result of a partnership among the City’s Planning and Development Department, Augusta Fire Department, Engineering Department, Information Technology Department, and Utilities Department.
“As Augusta continues to grow, it is imperative that we support thoughtful development in partnership with business and industry,” said City Administrator Odie Donald, II. “Expediting the permitting process underscores Augusta’s commitment to quickly providing diverse housing options, supporting our business community, and ensuring Augusta is equipped to support the continued growth taking place across the region.”
The program provides eligible applicants with plan review comments within 10 business days, reducing wait times in moving projects through the City’s plan review and permit process. The City’s normal development review process can typically take up to 28 days.
“The City of Augusta’s Planning and Development Department and its related partners have been a tremendous help to the Development Authority of Augusta, Georgia in moving projects forward, in showing that Augusta is a great place to do business, and that we are a pro- employer community looking to help companies grow their employment base and to bring new jobs to the community,” said Cal Wray, President of the Augusta Economic Development Authority. “I applaud them on this Expedited Plan Review as it will only encourage new developments and ensure that more jobs are created in Richmond County.”
Sue Parr, President and CEO of Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, shared similar sentiments.
“As Augusta-Richmond County continues to grow its need for housing and commercial development, opportunities for developers to utilize the option of accelerated review and permitting for their projects is an important tool to have at their disposal,” said Parr. “We applaud the county for formulating a process and a team of professionals that will be available to help fast track development projects in need of the most expedited process as is possible.”
Projects eligible for the EPR program are commercial site and residential development plans that meet all the criteria of the City’s current zoning ordinance. All variances, certificates or appropriateness, special exceptions, and rezoning approvals must be completed and furnished with the initial submittal for expedited review. A maximum of three projects will be allowed in the EPR program, based on a first-in, first-to-be -reviewed basis. Applicants must first complete the City’s Development Review Committee Application to be considered for the EPR program.
“The City of Augusta has worked hard to create an environment that welcomes investment and innovation, and the newly launched Expedited Plan Review Program is one more tool in our community’s economic development toolbox,” said Stan Shepherd, AT&T Georgia Regional Director of External Affairs. “I am so proud to live and work in such a great community and applaud the City for continuously driving new opportunities and spurring job creation inRichmond County.”
