A unanimous Milton City Council has adopted a resolution opposing a bill, pending in the state Legislature, that its critics say would preempt the ability of local government to set residential design standards for new homes.
House Bill 302 “would negatively impact quality-of-life issues, including economic growth and the safety and welfare of Georgia citizens,” according to the resolution, to be delivered to Milton’s legislative delegation.
The measure mirrors language approved last year when HB 302 first came up for consideration, Milton said in a Facebook posting. Other municipalities and counties have passed similar resolutions in recent months.
The bill, which has the backing of the state’s home building industry, would prevent localities from imposing design standards on single-family homes and duplexes, including restrictions on building material, color and layout.
Patrick Jaugstetter, a lawyer representing Milton, said HB 302 represented an “unprecedented effort on behalf of the state” to restrict local government.
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