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Savannah City Council Approves Affordable Housing Overlay District

Proposed designs for multi-family housing in Savannah aimed at increasing affordability.

News Summary

The Savannah City Council has approved an Affordable Housing Overlay District to tackle the city’s housing crisis. This decision allows for the construction of multi-family homes in previously restricted zones, with half of the units designated as affordable. The council aims to address rising housing costs and cater to the anticipated population growth in the Savannah Metro Area. While some residents support the initiative, others express concerns about potential impacts on property values and tourism. This amendment marks the first significant housing policy action by the current council since 2023.

Savannah City Council has taken a significant step in addressing the city’s housing crisis by approving an Affordable Housing Overlay District. This decision occurred during a recent council meeting and aims to combat escalating housing costs while enhancing overall housing availability within Savannah.

Mayor Van Johnson pointed out that many residents have voiced their concerns regarding affordability in the housing market. In light of these complaints, the council’s approval allows developers to construct multi-family homes in zones where only single-family homes were previously permitted. Notably, half of the units in these new developments must meet affordability criteria, defined as costing no more than 30% of a household’s gross income or adhering to Fair Market Rent standards.

The urgency of this measure is underscored by projected demographic changes in the Savannah Metro Area, which includes Effingham, Bryan, and Bulloch counties. According to statistical forecasts, the area is expected to witness a 40% growth in population by 2060, necessitating the availability of 320,000 new housing units. Alarmingly, current land resources can only support fewer than 60,000 of these units, exacerbating the housing crisis.

At present, Savannah’s housing composition reveals a reliance on single-family homes, which account for a striking 75% of the total, while only a mere 9% consists of 2-4 unit styles catering to middle-income buyers. Further emphasizing the need for additional options, just 16% of housing types provide multi-family units suitable for families with moderate and lower incomes. To foster livable and walkable neighborhoods, experts assert that zoning reforms are essential to increase housing density.

In response to the ongoing housing challenges, Housing Savannah Inc. continues to hold monthly discussions focusing on housing affordability, with future topics including solar energy, homelessness, and community advocacy initiatives. The newly approved Affordable Housing Overlay District encompasses several neighborhoods, including the Victorian District, Metropolitan neighborhood, Thomas Square neighborhood, and segments of the Live Oak neighborhood.

Despite the council’s intentions, the amendment received mixed reactions from local residents. Some residents expressed worries that the introduction of affordable housing could diminish property values and adversely affect tourism, while others supported the initiative as a vital step towards addressing critical housing needs. Alderwoman Linda Wilder-Bryan expressed her frustrations about the lack of representation from her district in the planning process.

As part of the approved zoning changes, density bonuses will be offered to encourage the construction of missing middle housing types, including duplexes and quadplexes. The new policy aims to reduce minimum lot size requirements for developments integrated with affordable housing units, further enhancing the prospects for more diverse housing options.

This amendment signifies the first substantial housing policy decision undertaken by the current city council administration, which commenced its term in 2023. Notably, areas such as Cuyler-Brownville and Cann/Jackson Park have opted out of the initiative, reflecting the varying perspectives within the community.

The council’s vote followed months of discussion and community consultations. Presently, approximately 45% of renters in Savannah allocate more than 30% of their income to housing, highlighting the pressing need for affordable options to alleviate financial strain on families throughout the city.

In conclusion, the approval of the Affordable Housing Overlay District by the Savannah City Council is a pivotal move aimed at enhancing affordable housing availability and addressing the ongoing challenges posed by rising housing costs, while fostering a more inclusive and diverse community for its residents.