ATLANTA – State Representative Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) recently hosted an emergency virtual town hall to discuss short term rentals, illegal personal care homes and boarding houses. Rep. Davis was joined by State Representative Rhonda Taylor (D-Conyers), and more than 100 DeKalb County residents, homeowners and business owners participated in the virtual town hall.
“DeKalb County residents should have a greater say in how housing will be used and zoned in their neighborhoods,” said Rep. Davis. “Housing laws are not one-size-fits-all; what may work great for one county will not necessarily work for a neighboring county, so I will continue to fight for local control for these types of issues. This first town hall was extremely successful, and I look forward to holding future discussions with local zoning and code enforcement officials.”
“I am gravely concerned that homeowners are losing the ability to enjoy their communities due to the desire of others to make a profit,” said Rep. Taylor. “It is not acceptable to allow money to reign over the power of residents who choose to maintain a certain quality of life, so we must continue to work towards a solution to fair zoning and never take local control away.”
During the virtual town hall, Rep. Davis discussed three past House bills that could affect single-family residences and reduce local government control if reintroduced and passed during a future legislative session. Rep. Davis addressed House Bill 523, which would treat housing that is rented out for less than 30 days the same as other residences, whether renter or owner-occupied. She also discussed House Bill 980, which would redefine “family” in Georgia zoning procedures and allow more than six unrelated residents to live together. Rep. Davis also shared her concerns with House Bill 302, which would prohibit local governments from adopting or enforcing local ordinances for building design elements for one and two family dwellings under certain circumstances. These three bills were introduced during the 2019-2020 legislative term and are not currently eligible for consideration.
“This is a property rights issue,” added Rep. Davis. “How do you balance the property rights of the investors/corporations versus the property rights of the homeowners? Investors have a right to make a profit on their investment. However, homeowners sign a warranty deed that gives them a right to quiet enjoyment of their property. In the end, how will we define single-family residential neighborhoods?”
Residents expressed their concerns with local housing usage laws in DeKalb County, such as a lack of rental restrictions, increased commercial trucking traffic in neighborhoods and maintaining the ability to pass down property to family. Residents discussed how short-term rentals have been leased for hosting parties, creating noise disturbances and increased vehicle traffic. Residents also expressed that there has been a lack of action from local authorities when reporting neighborhood disturbances to DeKalb County Code Enforcement and local police.
To watch the virtual town hall in its entirety, please click here.
For more information on HB 523, please click here.
For more information on HB 980, please click here.
For more information on HB 302, please click here.
Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Natural Resources & Environment, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation and Science and Technology committees.
Representative Rhonda Taylor represents the citizens of District 91, which includes portions of DeKalb and Rockdale counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 and currently serves on the Juvenile Justice, Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight and Special Rules committees.
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