Local Issues

Brookhaven Adds Inclusionary Zoning Code and Bans Short Term Rentals

November 30, 2018

After more than a year of discussions, the City of Brookhaven voted on a new zoning ordinance for the City. The new code will include a citywide Inclusionary Zoning measure as well as a ban on Short Term Rentals. This new ordinance will replace Dekalb County's zoning code which the City has been using since it's incorporation in 2012.

The inclusionary zoning portion of the code would be triggered when the city approves a special land use permit (SLUP) or if a property goes through a rezoning process for multiunit residential project. This measure would require a mandatory minimum of 10% of the units be workforce housing. Height bonuses are offered for going above the 10% minimum and bonuses vary depending on zoning classifications.

Ironically, Councilmembers agreed that this is not the best solution and confirmed that the ordinance is a work in progress, but only one Councilman voted against the measure. Councilman Bates Mattison has stated that the City will work with the real estate community and citizens to make this regualtion work for the City and private property owners.

Also included in the rewrite is a ban on Short Term Rentals (STRs) in the City. Some Councilmembers felt that STRs had the possibility of destroying the fabric of neighborhoods and could become a nuisance that the City could not handle. Ironically, Brookhaven City Councilman Joe Gebbia is the father of AirBNB founder, Joe Gebbia, Jr. 

About the PCBR Market Brief

The Pickens County Board of REALTORS® (PCBR)  Market Brief is compiled by First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS). For more information on details of this month's report, please contact the Board at 770.866.1397.

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

About the Pickens County Board of REALTORS®

The Pickens County Board 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 Pickens County Board has exerted its influence in civic affairs in its capacity of representing a substantial segment of the business community across the Pickens area. The Board 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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