Georgia Constitution Practice Exam

Who has the ultimate authority over zoning procedures according to Article IX?

1. Cities can establish their procedures without state oversight.

2. The General Assembly has total control over all procedures.

3. Counties may dictate their zoning procedures at their discretion.

4. The General Assembly may establish procedures for making zoning laws.

The correct answer is: The General Assembly may establish procedures for making zoning laws.

The correct answer highlights the role of the General Assembly in establishing zoning procedures within the state of Georgia. According to Article IX of the Georgia Constitution, while local governments like cities and counties have the power to enact zoning laws and regulations, the General Assembly retains the authority to set forth the basic framework and procedures that govern these zoning laws. This means that the state has the power to create overarching laws that dictate how local jurisdictions should handle zoning issues, even though local governments enact these laws based on their particular needs and circumstances. The General Assembly's involvement ensures consistency and adherence to the legislative intent across the state, which is important for managing land use and development effectively. In the context of the other choices, they do not fully capture the balance of power between local zoning authority and state oversight. While cities and counties have discretion in establishing their zoning practices, their procedures must comply with any state laws that the General Assembly may enact. By emphasizing the General Assembly's role in this process, the correct answer reflects the constitutional framework that guides zoning authority and development in Georgia.