In anticipation of the growth explosion that is occurring in west Chatham County, the City of Port Wentworth is undertaking a master planning process to foster the development of a true community, rather than an agglomeration of subdivisions and strip malls. Although planned developments may not be a new concept, the planning of Port Wentworth is truly unique for several reasons.

The master plan addresses all land use regulations through street classifications, rather than by conventional zoning. Street classifications determine uses, lot sizes, setbacks, and all other development regulations. This mechanism will allow more flexibility for market conditions to determine appropriate use, rather than forcing a use that is not needed or is undesirable. By tying regulations for the built environment to the street classifications, streetscapes can develop with appropriate scale and other characteristics that are consistent with the community envisioned by the citizens.

Planned developments are typically conducted by the private sector, on land under single ownership. In contrast, the Port Wentworth master plan provides land use guidance for land belonging to multiple landowners. The City does not own any of this land!

The purpose of this master-planning process is to perpetuate the community through a single plan for future development, which has been generated with guidance from the city leaders and the community.