The Planning & Zoning Department is responsible for developing and administering all facets of land use and quality of life regulations in both the unincorporated and incorporated areas of the county.
This department serves as the first point of contact for residents and developers seeking assistance with land subdivision and the zoning process.
In addition, this department advises and assists the county-wide Planning Commission, the Board of County Commissioners, and the Leesburg and Smithville city councils with decisions relating to growth management issues, subdivision review and approval, site planning, and amendments to or variances from the following ordinances: Zoning, Subdivision, Land Development, Manufactured Home, Nuisance Control, Noise Abatement, and Animal Control.
This department is also responsible for a variety of special projects ranging from writing grants to drainage studies to transportation analysis. The Planning Department also generates revenue from numerous permit fees.
Applications are due by the 10th day of each month or next business day.
Forms & Applications
Planning Commission
GIS Maps
Stormwater Management Department
Planning & Development Permit Fees
Planning Commission Meeting Schedule
Lee County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 70 - Zoning on Municode.com
Comprehensive Plan
The comprehensive plan is a long-range (15-20 year) statement of a community’s vision for development (and redevelopment). By addressing the entire physical environment of the county and the multitudes of functions, policies, and programs that comprise their day to day workings, the plan seeks to guide the what, when, where, why and how of future physical changes to the landscape of Lee County and its municipalities.
The purpose of a comprehensive plan is to provide a guide for local government officials and other community leaders for making everyday decisions that are supportive of the community’s stated goals for its future. The plan should serve as the local government’s guide for assessing development proposals, including rezoning applications and redevelopment plans. For residents, business owners and members of the development community, the plan provides insight into what types of land uses and development are appropriate at various locations throughout the city. Finally, evaluating various local government functions and services, the plan is a point of reference for government staff in preparing capital improvements programs and associated budgets.
Capital Improvements Element Information
All local governments that utilize an impact fee system under the Georgia Development Impact Fee Act must include a Capital Improvements Element (CIE) in their comprehensive plans and update this Capital Improvements Element portion of their plan annually. The CIE Update is a useful tool that gives the community a clear idea of how and where your Impact Fees are being used.
The CIE Update must include two components: Annual Financial Report and Schedule of Improvements/STWP Addendum. The purpose of the Annual Financial Report is to provide an overview of impact fees collected, encumbered and used by category of public facility and service area for the last completed fiscal year. The financial report does not include information for the current year. The purpose of the Schedule of Improvements is to identify all capital improvement projects to be financed in whole or in part by impact fees during the upcoming five years, beginning with the current year. This must include any changes to previously listed capital improvement projects (such as adjustment of project costs, changes in funding sources, construction schedules, or project scope) plus a new fifth year schedule of improvements for projects to be funded with impact fees.
The Board of Commissioners must hold at least one public hearing for the CIE Update once completed. The purpose of the public hearing is to inform the public of the contents of the draft CIE Update to receive suggestions and comments on the document. Copies of the draft CIE Update are available to the public sufficiently in advance of this hearing to allow time for citizens to review and formulate their comments prior to the hearing. Following the public hearing, the CIE update is submitted to the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission and subsequently the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for review and approval.
Chapter 18, Article II. – Construction Codes, Sec. 18-31. – Adoption by reference
(A) The following technical building and construction codes, as now or hereafter amended, including the administration and appendices chapters also contained in such codes, are hereby adopted by reference and shall be amended by later additions as required by O.C.G.A. § 8-2-25:
(1) International Building Code (ICC);
(2) National Electric Code (NFPA);
(3) International Fuel Gas Code (ICC);
(4) International Mechanical Code (ICC);
(5) International Plumbing Code (ICC);
(6) International Residential Code for 1- and 2-Family Dwellings (ICC);
(7) International Energy Conservation Code (ICC);
(8) International Fire Code (ICC).
(B) In accord with the provisions of O.C.G.A. §§ 8-2-20 and 8-2-25, the above listed codes have been in effect in the unincorporated area of the county since July 1, 2004.
(C) Official copies of such codes, and the administrative and appendices chapters of such codes, are on file in the office of the chief building official.
(Ord. 15-002, 4-28-2015)
Editor's Note — Ord. No. 15-002 , adopted Apr. 28, 2015, repealed the former section and enacted a new section as set out herein. The former section pertained to similar subject matter.
Contact Information
Joey Davenport
Interim Planning Director
jdavenport@lee.ga.us
Amanda Nava
Assistant Director
amanda.nava@lee.ga.us
Randy Weathersby
GIS Coordinator
randy.weathersby@lee.ga.us
Kara Hanson
Office Manager/Planning Assistant
kara.hanson@lee.ga.us
Phone: (229) 759-6000
T. Page Tharp Governmental Building
102 Starksville Avenue North
Leesburg, Georgia 31763
Map & Directions
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
View Lee County's Code of Ordinances online
