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Savannah Approves Zoning Amendment for Affordable Housing

Recently approved duplex construction in Savannah promoting affordable housing.

News Summary

The Savannah City Council has approved a significant zoning amendment to enhance affordable housing options in response to rising housing costs. This amendment allows for the construction of duplexes and triplexes in neighborhoods previously limited to single-family homes, promoting diverse housing types. Developers can qualify for a density bonus by including affordable housing units. The decision aims to address the challenges faced by renters in the city, as a sizable percentage spend over 30% of their income on housing. The amendment reflects ongoing efforts to create equitable housing solutions.

Savannah – On July 8, 2025, the Savannah City Council approved a significant zoning amendment aimed at increasing affordable housing options in the city amidst rising housing costs. This amendment allows developers to construct more housing units in a single project if the development incorporates affordable housing. The council’s decision comes in light of alarming statistics revealing that approximately 45% of renters in Savannah spend more than 30% of their income on housing, as reported by the 2021 Savannah Affordable Housing Fund Report.

The newly passed amendment permits the construction of duplexes and triplexes in neighborhoods that previously only allowed single-family homes, facilitating a wider range of housing types. This change is expected to address the persistent issue of housing affordability in the city. To qualify for the “density bonus,” at least one unit in each new development must be designated as affordable and based on the local median income. This aspect of the amendment aims to promote the construction of “missing middle” housing types, vital for accommodating a diverse population.

On the same day, Spier Property, LLC, represented by Savannah attorney Robert McCorkle III, sought a Zoning Map Amendment for a planned development on 671.53 acres located at 302 Bush Road and 420 Bush Road. The proposed development could potentially comprise up to 1,500 residences, along with recreational areas, as outlined in plans submitted to the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC). The MPC approved the plans with a vote of 9-1, with Chairwoman Karen Jarrett opposing the proposal. Furthermore, the MPC mandated that a Wetland Plan be prepared, and at least 20% of the total acreage, approximately 136 acres, must be maintained as open space, consistent with the requirements of Planned Development.

Additionally, the Coastal Regional Commission is reviewing the project for a Development of Regional Impact, a necessary step in assessing the broader implications of the development on local infrastructure and environment.

The zoning amendment process has also included community engagement, with the developer conducting meetings with local neighborhood associations and the Ogeechee Riverkeeper organization to address any concerns regarding the planned development.

Briana Paxton, a single parent and advocate for improved zoning laws, highlighted her struggles in finding affordable housing in Savannah. She faced challenges when attempting to construct a duplex in the Live Oak neighborhood due to outdated zoning regulations. Paxton’s experiences reflect the broader difficulties many local residents encounter in the current housing market.

Mayor Van Johnson remarked on the critical nature of the housing affordability issue, advocating for increased housing density to better meet community needs. The city council is set to address the subsequent part of the plan in future meetings, which will involve determining specific neighborhoods that will be affected by the zoning changes.

With the recent approval of both the zoning amendment and the proposed development, Savannah aims to take substantial steps toward enhancing affordable housing options in a city where many residents struggle with housing costs. City officials contend that these changes are integral to fostering an equitable and sustainable community.