Land-use planning regulations influence where and how future development occurs. Georgia has established a number of statewide goals for land-use planning. Municipalities and county governments complete comprehensive plans and are required to meet the state’s minimum standards for planning. Regional development centers are available to assist local governments with this planning. Regional and statewide planning also exists in Georgia, with emphasis on a broader perspective and focus on issues that are beyond the jurisdictions of local governments.

As with the other case study areas, watershed function and land use are closely linked. The Etowah watershed, for example, is home to three species of darters that are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). An effort is underway to write a habitat conservation plan, as permitted under the ESA, so that both regional growth and the habitat needs of the darters can be accommodated. It will include guidelines for managing byproducts of development, such as controlling storm water runoff and erosion and installing culverts or bridges designed to facilitate fish passage (Etowah Aquatic HCP 2007).