Recreational Trails Program Grant

Bryan County is pleased to announce the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has approved the County's initial application for a Recreational Trails Program Grant in the amount of $180,000.  Bryan County is in the process of completing the Second Level documentation and if approved by GA DNR, Bryan County expects to have the final award announcement and grant agreement by third quarter 2026.  

The proposed project, known as the Green Creek Trail Extension, will build upon the existing Green Creek Trail, a 0.7-mile multi-use trail in South Bryan County that connects State Route 144 to Fort McAllister Road and runs alongside DeVaul Henderson Park.  The project will add approximately 413 feet of multi-use trail to extend the existing facility and create a formal trailhead at the intersection of Henderson Park Boulevard and Kingswood Drive, improving pedestrian access and safety.  A copy of the concept plan can be viewed by clicking the following link: Green Creek Trail Extension Concept Plan

The public is invited to review and comment on the proposed Green Creek Trail Extension project from April 16 through May 1, 2026.

Questions and comments may be directed to Brett Kohler at bkohler@bryancountyga.gov or (912)653-5260.

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Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant

Bryan County, in partnership with the cities of Richmond Hill and Pembroke, has been awarded a SS4A Planning Grant. This is a federal grant, which will fund the development of a comprehensive safety action plan, also known as a Vision Zero Plan. This plan will study existing conditions and the number of fatalities and serious injuries of all users of the County and City roads. This information will inform a list of projects and strategies to reduce or eliminate these fatalities and injuries. The plan will also outline how this reduction will be measured and the timeline and metrics for reducing or eliminating these incidents. The County and Cities will have future public input events for input on developing this plan, which will be publicized here and on our social media.

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Planning and Zoning Commission/Board of Adjustment

The County has a vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission/Board of Adjustment, and residents of unincorporated Bryan County interested in serving on this board are encouraged to apply. The Planning and Zoning Commission considers applications for rezoning, conditional use permits, and comprehensive plan amendments.  Serving as the Board of Adjustment, the board considers variance applications and appeals of administrative decisions.  The person appointed to fill this vacancy will fill an unexpired term, which will end February 28, 2029.  If you have questions or would like to learn more about this board, contact Amanda Clement, aclement@bryancountyga.gov or Audra Miller, amiller@bryancountyga.gov.  The position is open until filled.  If you have applied to this board within the last six months, you do not need to re-apply.  

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Building Safety Month

Bryan County, along with communities all across the nation, will be celebrating Building Safety Month.  Each May, the International Code Council encourages communities to celebrate building safety, and highlight the importance of building and fire codes to improving the safety and lives of residents and visitors in their communities.  This year's theme is "Built to Last."  Building Safety Month starts May 1 and ends May 31.  The weekly themes are:

• Week 1:  Safe Homes, Strong Communities (May 1-10) focuses on simple actions homeowners can take to improve safety at home.
• Week 2:  Voices of the Built Environment (May 11-17) spotlights building safety professionals and the roles they play in keeping communities safe.
• Week 3: Prepared to Protect (May 18-24) encourages community preparedness and highlights how disaster -resilient building codes protect people and property.
• Week 4: Communities Without Limits (May 25-31) showcases the importance of accessibility in building construction and design.  

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Business and Alcohol License Renewals

Business License (Occupation Tax) and Alcohol License renewal period has ended.  Community Development processed 107 commercial, 175 home office, 13 home service, and 2 home trade business renewals from October 1, 2025, through January 30, 2026.  Thank you to everyone who renewed their business license and paid their occupation tax by the January 31, 2026, deadline.  For those businesses who have not renewed their license/paid their occupation tax, you can still renew, but a 1.5% penalty will be charged monthly until paid.  For those businesses and home occupations that do not renew by July 30, 2026, the Community Development Department will note these businesses as inactive/closed.  

For alcohol licenses, Community Development processed 29 renewals during the same time period.  Thank you to alcohol license holders for timely renewing.  As a reminder, anyone selling alcohol in unincorporated Bryan County must have a local alcohol license in addition to the state license.