Tift County adopts code change requiring 25% runoff reduction for redevelopment

The Tift County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 13 approved an amendment to the Unified Land Development Code that requires redevelopment of facilities built before the current code to reduce existing stormwater runoff by at least 25 percent.

Community Development Services Director Chad Branch presented the proposed change to Chapter 7.06.01, saying the amendment applies specifically to redevelopment of previously built facilities and does not alter the county's comprehensive standards for new development. County Attorney Anthony Rowell opened and closed the public hearing; no members of the public spoke.

Commissioner Melissa Hughes moved to adopt Resolution No. 2025-26 (TC-TA-25-02); Commissioner Paul Webb seconded and the motion carried 6–0. The amendment will require redevelopment projects to meet the 25 percent net reduction standard in their stormwater runoff calculations; the transcript does not record further implementation details or an effective date.

The amendment is aimed at reducing existing runoff from older built sites as the county evaluates future redevelopment permitting. Staff identified the chapter and percent-reduction target during the presentation but did not provide an implementation timeline in the record. The Board's approval followed staff recommendation and no public opposition at the hearing.

Next steps noted in the meeting record: the resolution was approved; the minutes do not record a roll-call of individual votes, only the final tally of 6–0. Any questions about project-specific compliance, effective dates or technical guidance will be addressed through Community Development Services' permitting process.