Development News for Pooler, Georgia

Pooler Approves Rezoning for Building Material Supply Company with Conditions

The city council considered a zoning map amendment to rezone a property from I-1 Light Industrial with conditions to C2 Heavy Commercial to allow for the construction of a 22,000 square foot building material supply company with a retail storefront component at 1400 Jimmy DeLoach Parkway. This constitutes a downzoning. The property was originally rezoned in 2016 with conditions including a traffic signal, landscaped berm, and a 100-foot buffer to protect nearby residential neighborhoods from industrial impacts. Concerns about compatibility and buffering were noted from the original rezoning. The current parcel has site constraints, including a lagoon, which limit developable area. Staff recommended denial, while the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval with a condition that the lot line be revised to ensure compliance with setbacks and buffer requirements. The applicant requested a condition allowing vehicular access through buffer zone two to provide rear access, which requires city council approval. The council approved the downzoning with two conditions: 1) the lot line be revised to meet required setbacks and buffers, and 2) vehicular access through buffer zone two be permitted. The motion passed with one nay vote.

Georgia United Credit Union Site Plan Approved for Pooler Location

The city council approved the site plan for a new one-story, 4,822-square-foot commercial building for Georgia United Credit Union, located at 2221 Pooler Parkway within the Savannah Quarters Pud, Phase 7, and Mosaic Town Center. The project is situated on approximately 1.30 acres and includes 40 parking spaces, which complies with existing ordinances. Both staff and the planning and zoning commission recommended approval of the site plan, finding that it addressed all necessary approval criteria.

First Reading of Hotel Motel Excise Tax Ordinance, Pooler Seeks Tourism Funding

The city council held the first reading of Ordinance 02026-05A concerning the Hotel Motel Excise Tax. This ordinance codifies a previously approved resolution that sought authorization from the Georgia General Assembly to adopt the Hotel Motel Excise Tax under OCGA 48-13-51B. The legislation specifically allows a portion of the tax to be used for tourism product development projects within the city. A correction was noted regarding the effective date, which needs to align with state law requiring it to be the first day of the second month following adoption, rather than immediately upon adoption as initially drafted. Concerns were raised by a resident regarding the publication of the ordinance and the need for a clause ensuring no tax increase for at least three years, as well as questions about the destination marketing organization and accountability for funds. The council approved the ordinance on first reading with the noted correction.

Pooler Declares Flood Awareness Week to Promote Preparedness

The city council unanimously approved a proclamation for Flood Awareness Week, designating the week of June 15th, 2026, to promote awareness and increase knowledge of flood risks, encouraging residents to learn about flood safety and prepare emergency kits. The proclamation highlighted flooding as a common and costly natural disaster and emphasized the importance of public education and preparedness, noting Pooler's voluntary participation in the National Flood Insurance Program which offers reduced insurance rates and higher regulatory standards to reduce flood risk and potential damage.