News Summary
The Savannah City Council has approved the Affordable Housing Overlay District, allowing multi-family residences in areas previously zoned for single-family homes. This initiative aims to combat the city’s housing crisis by ensuring that at least 50% of new units are affordable, addressing community concerns about rising living costs. While the initiative faces mixed community reactions, it represents a significant step to meet the growing demand for affordable housing in Savannah, which estimates needing nearly 4,000 new units by 2030.
Savannah City Council has approved the establishment of an Affordable Housing Overlay District, a significant step in addressing the city’s ongoing housing crisis. The newly approved overlay allows for the development of affordable housing units in areas traditionally designated for single-family homes, aiming to tackle the rising cost of living in Savannah.
Under the new zoning amendments, developers are permitted to construct multi-family residences with a stipulation that at least 50% of the units must meet affordable housing criteria. This initiative responds directly to complaints and challenges voiced by community members regarding the increased financial burden of living in the city. Mayor Van Johnson underscored the importance of immediate action in addressing housing affordability, indicating a proactive approach to alleviate the pressures faced by residents.
The Affordable Housing Overlay District will be implemented in various neighborhoods, including the Victorian District, Metropolitan neighborhood, Thomas Square neighborhood, and portions of the Live Oak neighborhood. This broad geographical coverage aims to spread the benefits of affordable housing throughout diverse areas of Savannah.
City officials estimate that Savannah needs to add nearly 4,000 new housing units by 2030 to accommodate its growing population. In line with this goal, the council has introduced a “density bonus,” which allows for reduced minimum lot size requirements, encouraging the construction of duplexes, quadplexes, and other “missing middle” housing types. The city defines affordable housing as housing that costs less than 30% of a household’s gross income or falls within Fair Market Rents, ensuring accessibility for a wider range of families.
The proposal for the Affordable Housing Overlay District was initially intended to be broader; however, it was scaled back due to opposition from several neighborhoods who opted out of the program. Community feedback on the initiative has been mixed—while some residents view it as a critical solution to the housing crisis, others express concerns about its potential impact on property values and tourism in the city.
Support for the new bonus program has come from various organizations, including Housing Savannah Inc. and the Historic Savannah Foundation, which advocate for increased affordable housing options. Though the council’s decision has received support, there are still unresolved concerns among some council members regarding the representation of all districts in the Affordable Housing Overlay.
This recent approval is part of a broader trend, as Savannah’s City Council has made strides in implementing several affordable housing initiatives throughout recent sessions, including applications for tax credits aimed at supporting affordable development. Mayor Johnson has called for continuous collaboration among community members and city officials to further address the city’s pressing housing challenges.
As Savannah moves forward with the Affordable Housing Overlay District, the city aims to balance the necessity for affordable living options with the preservation of neighborhood character and local interests. Ongoing discussions and collaborative efforts will be crucial as the city navigates this complex landscape of housing affordability and community development.
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Additional Resources
- WTOK: Affordable Housing Approved in Four Savannah Neighborhoods
- Savannah Now: Savannah Moves on Policy to Increase Affordable Housing Options
- WSAV: Savannah City Council Passes Affordable Housing Amendment
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Savannah Business Journal: City-Supported Affordable Housing Development
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
