Chapter 66 PLANNING
Plain English: what this part covers
This chapter creates the Greater Turner Planning Advisory Commission, a joint advisory board for Turner County, Ashburn, Sycamore and Rebecca. It reviews the joint comprehensive plan and gives advice on land development rules. It can only advise; the city council makes the decisions.
- 7 members: county 3, Ashburn 2, Sycamore 1, Rebecca 1 (Sec. 66-32)
- 4-year terms (Sec. 66-32)
- Removal after 3 consecutive missed meetings or 3+ in a calendar year, with 10 days' notice (Sec. 66-32(b))
Cross reference— Any zoning saved from repeal, § 1-11(10); administration, ch. 2; buildings and building regulations, ch. 18; environment, ch. 38; floods, ch. 46; historical preservation, ch. 54; streets, sidewalks and other public places, ch. 74; utilities, ch. 86; zoning, app. A; zoning board of appeals, app. A, § 12.
State Law reference— Coordinated and comprehensive planning by counties and municipalities, § 36-70-1 et seq.; regional development centers, O.C.G.A. § 50-8-30 et seq.
What's in here
Questions folks ask
Who reviews planning and land use for Ashburn?
The code creates the Greater Turner Planning Advisory Commission to advise Turner County, Ashburn, Sycamore and Rebecca on planning, the comprehensive plan and land development codes. It is advisory only.
How many members does the planning commission have, and who appoints them?
Seven. Turner County appoints three, Ashburn two, Sycamore one and Rebecca one. Members serve four-year terms.
Are planning commission members paid?
No. They serve without pay but can be reimbursed for actual expenses.
Can a commissioner be removed for missing meetings?
Yes. The appointing government can remove a member for cause after 10 days' written notice, for example for missing three consecutive regular meetings or three meetings in a year, or for moving out of the jurisdiction.
Are planning commission meetings open to the public?
Yes. All meetings must be open and all records are public.
Does the planning commission make final zoning decisions?
No. It functions only in an advisory capacity to each government.
This is a plain-English guide, not legal advice. The official code is on Municode and at City Hall. Our copy is from April 30, 2026.
Online: https://jamesburgessleads.com/city-code/PTIICOOR_CH66PL
Official version: https://library.municode.com/GA/Ashburn/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH66PL
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