NEWS RELEASE

June 11, 2019

For Immediate Release

NewZo Continues City’s Move Forward 

SAVANNAH, GA (June 11, 2019) — After years of public input meetings with City and MPC staff the new zoning ordinance and zoning map—referred to as NewZO—will be presented to City Council during a public hearing on June 20 where discussion will occur on repealing and replacing the existing City zoning code and map with NewZO.

Following the public hearing, City Council will conduct a 1st reading on July 2 and a 2nd reading on July 18 to officially adopt the new zoning code and map. Once approved, NewZO will become the official zoning code and map for the City of Savannah. The NewZo ordinance will entirely update every parcel of property in the City of Savannah with modern classifications for living and business use. These zoning classifications are the foundation that shape areas into family neighborhoods, industrial districts or urban mixed use communities.

“Our zoning ordinance has never been overhauled to reflect the numerous changes that have occurred in the last 50 years,” says Planning and Urban Design Director Bridget Lidy. “This proposal will simplify our zoning code and provide much needed updates to parcels of land that have seen their use change as Savannah has grown.”

In a continuous effort to keep residents informed and engaged in the decision making process, the City is asking the public to visit www.speakupsavannah.com to learn, ask questions, leave comments and engage with the City’s Planning and Urban Design Director.

The NewZo ordinance aligns with the Savannah Forward Strategic Plan under Goal 5.6 – City Code Update and Review which recommends the City update and review its Code of Ordinances every 5 years.