Climate Change Code Review
Integrating Climate Action
As part of the most recent Plan 2040 Chatham County – Savannah Comprehensive Plan, Chatham County integrated climate change into all of the elements of the formally adopted Comprehensive Plan. Among other actionable items, the Comprehensive Plan includes Goals and Strategies which consider how the community will best adapt to and mitigate for the economic, environmental, and social effects of climate change.
Chatham County’s Resilience Program is a coordinated effort to embed resilience in government operations and countywide initiatives through municipal collaboration.
To continue this work, Chatham County applied for and was awarded a Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Incentive Grant to explore opportunities to update both unincorporated Chatham County as well as the City of Savannah’s local codes and ordinances to build a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable region.
Key Project Components
- Comprehensive Code and Ordinance Evaluation: Reviewing existing regulations to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement, aligning with best practices in climate adaptation and sustainability.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Working closely with municipal officials, local organizations, and residents to develop policies that enhance public safety and emergency management, protect natural resources, and promote responsible development.
- Nature-Based Solutions: Encouraging the use of environmentally conscious practices to mitigate risks and improve resilience.
- Equity and Environmental Justice: Ensuring that all community members, particularly underserved populations, benefit from the updated regulations and enhanced protections.
This project encompasses codes from both Chatham County and the City of Savannah, from Land Use to Environmental Regulations. Codes are being reviewed to identify ways in which they can help our communities be better prepared to face challenges like sea level rise and increased storm intensity, as well as reduce our region’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.
Community input is vital to this effort. Engagement activities—including stakeholder workshops, listening sessions, and public forums—are designed to reflect diverse perspectives and guide project outcomes.
Want to participate? Visit our Opportunities to Engage section for details on how you can get involved.