Marietta Council opposed to state legislation

The Marietta City Council voted 6-0 on Feb. 12 to oppose state legislation that would eliminate local design standards for one- or two-family dwellings.

That proposed legislation comprises House Bill 302 and Senate Bill 172.

Councilwoman Michelle Cooper Kelly was absent.

“State legislation eliminating locally tailored approaches to design standards would harm self-determination of citizens to establish community standards,” the city’s resolution states.

Also, “local officials are elected to make decisions about the look and feel of their communities, and local business owners recognize the need for their elected officials to be empowered to enforce building design standards for the purposes of economic growth and the safety and welfare” of Georgia and Marietta citizens.

“Locally supported design standards can enhance housing at all price points and help maintain the value of affordable housing for first-time and entry-level home buyers,” the resolution adds.

“Appropriate local design standards and land use policies - established by local citizens in each community - create a diverse, stable, profitable and sustainable residential development landscape,” the resolution states.

Information: legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20192020/HB/302, legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20192020/SB/172

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