Dacula signs resolution opposing building design standards legislation

Dacula’s Mayor and City Council recently signed a resolution opposing House Bill 302 and Senate Bill 172, Preemption to Local Building Design Standards, and House Bill 937, Residential Building Material and Design Preemption. The proposed legislation would prohibit local government from regulating “building design elements” in single or double family dwellings.

Many local municipalities have been concerned the legislation would forbid cities from enacting zoning conditions and ordinances related to exterior building color, exterior cladding material, roof and porch styles or materials, exterior nonstructural architectural ornamentation, location or architectural styling of windows and doors, including garage doors, the number and types of rooms, interior layout of rooms, and types of foundation structures approved under state minimum standard codes.

According to the city’s statement, “Prohibiting local officials from regulating these building design elements would limit the communities’ ability to uphold community aesthetics, material standards, and property values. Furthermore, it could negatively impact economic development efforts and harm competitiveness in the area.”