Local Issues

Update: Atlanta Development Moratorium/Housing Vouchers

March 6, 2020

As previously reported, the City of Atlanta swiftly moved a couple of pieces of legislation through the process last week including a moratorium on development in the Westside Park area and requiring landlords to accept housing vouchers. Below are updates on where things stand now.

Following the lead of the Mayor's executive order, the City Council approved an ordinance putting a developmental moratorium near the city's Westside Park. The Council did include exemptions, which include applications from owner-occupied primary residences, emergency situations, projects with certain affordability thresholds, and applications already received by the Department of City Planning.

In an effort to address affordable housing issues in the City, Councilman Antonio Brown introduced an ordinance that would require landlords accept housing vouchers as a source of income. As it stands, the ordinance is not set to go into effect for 6 months. However, after preliminary review of the ordinance, we have found that it is in direct contradiction to state law and will be found to be unenforceable if ever implemented.

Association staff is currently working with the city to come to a reasonable resolution to these issues and keep the city moving forward. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Governmental Affairs Director Aaron Johnson at (404) 732-0631.

About the 400N Market Brief

The 400 North Association of REALTORS® (400N) Market Brief is compiled by Georgia Multiple Listing Service (GAMLS). For more information on details of this month's report, please contact the Association at 770.845.4008.

*Each month, the numbers reported for the previous month are updated to reflect additional recordings.

About the 400 North Association of REALTORS®

The 400 North Association serves as a central source of information for our members and our main focus are real estate education, the promotion of professionalism in our industry and representing our REALTOR® members with legislative initiatives to create positive change for the real estate community. Throughout its history, the 400 North Association has exerted its influence in civic affairs in its capacity of representing a substantial segment of the business community across the Forsyth, Dawson and Lumpkin area. The Association has contributed to various charities over the years by hosting fundraisers.

About First Multiple Listing Service

First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS) is the premier data services provider for real estate professionals in Georgia. FMLS was founded in 1957 by a group of Brokers who wanted to share their listings and connect buyers and sellers.  Today FMLS is the largest MLS in Georgia & the 4th largest MLS in the United States, serving nearly 54,000 real estate Agents & Brokers.  For additional information or to start a discussion about how to partner with FMLS please contact join@fmls.com.

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