# Augusta Planning Commission/ Public Hearing on Proposed Updated Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance


**Body:** Augusta, Georgia Government
**Date:** October 22, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Construction & Infrastructure, Policy


The Augusta Planning Commission held a special-call public hearing on October 22, 2026, to review a draft update to Augusta’s comprehensive zoning ordinance. Staff said the 2024 consultant selection was conducted under RFQ 24-142, with Whit Smith LLC receiving the highest evaluation score. A speaker cited nearly $280,000 in payments to the consultants; that figure was raised during public comment. The draft proposes changes to zoning districts, housing types, development standards, review procedures, and agricultural and rural protections. Staff emphasized that the document is not final, and clarified that the current 14-day short-term rental rule is expected to remain in effect, while the draft’s short-term rental provisions still need further work.

Public comments focused particularly on short-term rentals and their potential effects on homeowners, tourism, and local businesses; proposed housing density and accessory dwelling units; data centers and industrial zoning; public notification, maps, and participation; and design, environmental, and accessibility concerns. Developers also raised questions about district transitions, density limits, and other standards. The Commission did not vote on the ordinance; it accepted the hearing as informational, with staff and consultants to review the comments and bring back a revised draft in December for Commission consideration. The meeting also ended with a motion to adjourn.

**Source:** Augusta, Georgia Government