Developments of Regional Impacts (DRI) FAQs

  • What is the purpose of the Developments of Regional Impact (DRI) process?
    • The DRI process is an intergovernmental communications mechanism that ensures local governments communicate with their neighbors about significant projects whose effects may be felt beyond a single, local jurisdiction.
    • The DRI process is not a regulatory process.  Local governments maintain home rule for development projects. 
  • What is subject to a DRI process?
    • There are 19 development types that could trigger a DRI process at certain thresholds.  These developments include: Office; Commercial; Wholesale/Distribution; Industrial; Mixed-Use; Housing; Hospitals and Healthcare; Post-Secondary Schools; Hotels; Attractions and Recreational Facilities; Airports; Waste Handling Facilities; Wastewater Treatment Facilities; Water Supply Intake, Reservoirs, or Treatment Facilities; Quarries, Asphalt, and Cement Plants; Petroleum Storage Facilities; Intermodal Terminals; Truck Stops; and Correctional Facilities.
    • Given the difference in the scope and scale of developments and communities across Georgia, there are two sets of thresholds for DRI.  One set governs the Atlanta Regional Commission and the other governs the 11 Regional Commissions in the balance of the state. 
  • Who is responsible for initiating the DRI process?
  • Who facilitates the DRI process?
    • Each of the state’s 12 regional commissions is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the DRI process within its own territory. 
  • How is the DRI process initiated?
    • A local government submits information to the appropriate Regional Commission to start the DRI process after an action is requested by a landowner or developer.  These actions include, but are not limited to, a land disturbance permit, a rezoning, a subdivision approval, etc.
    • A local government submits the initial information for a project that may require a DRI process to the appropriate Regional Commission via a web-based portal hosted by DCA.
    • The Regional Commission assesses the necessity for the DRI communication process.  
  • How long does the DRI process last?
    • The DRI process lasts no longer than 30 calendar days. 
  • Is there a cost associated with DRI process?
    • No, the DRI process is facilitated by the Regional Commissions as part of their normal operations. 
  • Does the DRI communication process delay development projects?
    • The DRI communication process runs concurrently with local development and permitting processes and is not meant to delay local government action related to any development project. 
  • Do local governments maintain their ability and rights to act in relation to a development project that has gone through a DRI communication process?
    • Yes, local governments maintain their rights, commonly known as “home rule,” throughout the DRI communication process.
    • This process is meant to facilitate intergovernmental communications across multiple jurisdictions.  It is not a regulatory process. 
  • What is DCA’s role in the DRI process?
    • DCA maintains the rules that outline the DRI communication process.
    • DCA hosts the portal used by local governments to submit information to the relevant Regional Commission which initiates the DRI process.
    • DCA is the repository for documents and information related to past and present DRI processes. 
  • Where can I find a list of submissions to the DRI process?
  • How are the rules governing the DRI process updated?
    • As necessary, DCA will review and update the DRI rules.  DCA will also consider feedback about the current state of the DRI process.
    • Any rules change will include consultation, drafting, and a public comment period before final adoption.
    • The DCA Board votes on the adoption of any rules changes for the DRI process.
    • DCA is conducting a public comment period on proposed rules changes, which closes on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 5pm.
    • The public notice can be found on DCA’s website, and comments may be submitted using the digital submission option outlined in the public notice.
    • Public comment should focus on the proposed DRI rule changes, not any specific project outside of DCA’s purview.  Project decisions are, and continue to be, a local government decision.