RPAC
Local Permitting Reform Legislation
January 27, 2026
House Bill 812: Authored by Rep. Mike Cheokas (R-Americus), revises the process for how local governments can propose amendments to state minimum standards codes.
The primary purpose of the bill is to create a "shot clock" on local government plan reviews, reinforcing the 45-day turnaround requirement for permit reviews.
It also requires local governments to provide written comments with specific reasons for denying or rejecting the application, with a citation of applicable laws that have not been met. It then sets a 14-day deadline for action by the local government on revised applications.
The bill also seeks to strengthen the Department of Community Affairs' role in reviewing local code amendments by giving DCA 60 days to review local ordinances to determine the justification of the need for enhanced building codes (e.g. climate, topography, public safety). DCA would be given the authority to recommend against adoption, which the local government could not overrule.
As expected, local governments have expressed their concern to legislators regarding the bill. This bill, specifically the regulation of review times, is important to the building industry to ensure excessive delays do not negatively affect developers and builders. GAR is monitoring the issue.
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.