Regionally Important Resources

A Regionally Important Resource (RIR) is a natural or historic resource that is of sufficient size or importance to warrant special consideration by the local governments having jurisdiction over that resource.

The Georgia Planning Act of 1989 (the same law that requires comprehensive planning by local governments) authorizes the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to establish procedures for identifying RIRs statewide. 

DCA has established rules for use by the Regional Commissions in preparing a Regional Resource Plan that systematically identifies the RIRs in each region and recommends best practices for use in managing these important resources.