News Summary
Savannah is evaluating the potential expansion of its Hotel Development Overlay District due to concerns from local residents about hotel development affecting residential areas. City Manager Jay Melder initiated a study to engage stakeholders in discussing the future of hotel development. The review by the Metropolitan Planning Commission is scheduled for August 2025, aiming to balance tourism growth while preserving community quality of life.
Savannah is considering an expansion of its Hotel Development Overlay District (HDO District) amid growing concerns from local community members regarding hotel development’s impact on residential areas. This initiative was sparked by City Manager Jay Melder, who initiated a comprehensive study of hotel overlay districts in September 2023 to engage a variety of stakeholders in structured discussions about the future of hotel development in the city.
The study, conducted by the Savannah Planning and Urban Design Department, involved representatives from local neighborhood associations, including Thomas Square, Victorian, Cuyler-Brownville, and Downtown. Additionally, various councils, such as the Tourism Leadership Council, Savannah Area Chamber, and Historic Savannah Foundation, played a crucial role in the discussions aimed at evaluating the HDO District’s effectiveness and potential expansion.
The Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) is set to review the findings from this study on August 26, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. This evaluation is part of ongoing efforts to address community concerns and ensure that future hotel developments are compatible with the character of Savannah’s neighborhoods.
Background of the Hotel Development Overlay District
The HDO District was established by the Savannah City Council in February 2018 in response to overwhelming community input and a study by the Metropolitan Planning Commission on hotel impacts. The aim was to create a framework that would mitigate the adverse effects hotel development could have on residential areas, particularly within the Savannah Downtown Historic District.
The concept of the HDO became part of the revised zoning ordinance (NewZO), which became effective on September 1, 2019. This ordinance was introduced to provide guidelines for future hotel developments in a way that respects the historical integrity of the city while accommodating tourism growth.
Recent Developments and Community Concerns
In July 2023, neighborhood associations submitted petitions advocating for the expansion of the overlay to include the Streetcar, Victorian, and Cuyler-Brownville Historic Districts. Residents expressed worries about the potential for new hotels to negatively impact the quality of life in these neighborhoods, as well as to maintain property affordability. The MPC decided to continue discussions on these petitions during a meeting on July 25, 2023, allowing for further public notice and review.
A comprehensive 21-page report detailing the study’s findings outlines the goals, history, and purpose of the existing HDO District and offers recommendations to mitigate land use conflicts between hotels and residential sectors. Recommendations were formed following stakeholder discussions that took place from September 2023 to February 2025, in addition to feedback received from a neighborhood association survey in February 2024.
Proposed Amendments and Hotel Placement Guidelines
The report recommends amendments to the zoning ordinance that aim to adjust the standards governing the HDO District and commercial use within it. The proposed changes include establishing specific lines for hotel placement to ensure that new hotels are developed only on designated streets. Approved streets for hotel construction include Fahm Street, Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, and Montgomery Street, among others.
Furthermore, the planning report stipulates that historical residential structures cannot be repurposed for hotel use, a measure aimed at preserving the character of Savannah’s neighborhoods. However, an amendment from August 2022 does allow for the re-establishment of previously operating hotels under certain conditions.
Community Engagement and Next Steps
Community leaders have voiced concerns that transforming office spaces into hotels could alter the appeal of living in downtown Savannah. Mayor Van Johnson has highlighted the significance of finding a balance between fostering tourism and maintaining a high quality of life for current residents.
The Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission must officially approve any proposed changes to the hotel overlay before the Savannah City Council can make a final decision. A prior meeting intended to vote on the matter was canceled due to insufficient attendance, but discussions will continue in an upcoming meeting scheduled within two weeks.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Business Journal
- Savannah Now
- Fox 28 Savannah
- Google Search: Hotel Development Overlay District Savannah
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hotel
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.
