Communities across the north metro area have joined the opposition to state legislation that would preempt municipal control of local building design.
The city councils of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell and Holly Springs on Monday, Feb. 25, approved resolutions opposing House Bill 302 and, in some cities, also its Senate counterpart, SB 172. The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution opposing both bills on Tuesday, Feb. 26.
Roswell staff told its council the proposals would preempt local control over building exterior colors and cladding, roofs and porches, windows and doors, the number and types of rooms and their layout, and foundations.
Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker said the bills “would limit a city’s ability to protect is residents and may jeopardize the character, sense of place, and sought-after quality of life we’ve worked so hard to establish in Johns Creek.”
The Home Builders Association of Georgia favors the measure, saying local rules impose unnecessary restrictions that drive up costs and limit designs. Cities and counties say local regulation protects a community’s character and property values.
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