Savannah City Council Approves New Zoning for Affordable Housing

News Summary

The Savannah City Council has made a landmark decision to address affordable housing by approving a new zoning amendment. This measure will allow developers to build more housing units in a single project if they include at least one affordable unit. The council’s aim is to balance the growing housing demand while preserving the historic character of the city. Groundbreaking for a new 16-unit development aimed at housing-insecure families has also begun, marking a significant step in the Housing Savannah Action Plan.

Savannah City Council Takes Big Steps Toward Affordable Housing!

In an exciting development for residents of Savannah, the city council has made a significant decision to help tackle the pressing issue of affordable housing. On Thursday, the council voted to approve a brand-new zoning amendment designed specifically to increase the availability of affordable housing throughout the city.

What Does the Zoning Change Mean?

So, what exactly has changed? Well, the amendment means that developers can now create more housing units in a single project, *as long as they include at least one affordable housing unit.* This is a game-changer for those looking to call Savannah home! No longer limited to building just single-family houses, developers can now construct duplexes or triplexes in neighborhoods that previously didn’t allow anything except for those standalone homes.

A Long Journey to This Decision

After months of thoughtful conversations and considerations, the council approved this measure with the goal of balancing the need for more housing while maintaining Savannah’s unique historic character. Savannah’s Mayor pointed out how unaffordable housing has become, with staggering statistics showing that nearly *45% of renters* in the city are spending over *30% of their income* on housing costs. This zoning change aims to provide some relief to those struggling to keep up.

Real Challenges for Real People

One local resident and single parent, who has been advocating for changes, faced hurdles trying to build a duplex in Savannah’s Live Oak neighborhood due to outdated zoning laws. Her story is just one of many that reflect the challenges facing families and individuals in the area.

What is ‘Missing Middle Housing’?

The zoning amendment is also referred to as a *“density bonus,”* which encourages the development of what’s known as “missing middle housing.” This term describes housing types like duplexes and triplexes that fulfill a crucial gap in the market. Essentially, this move will expand housing options for essential workers – think firefighters and teachers – who commonly earn less than *$50,000* a year but still need a place to live.

Moving Forward

City leaders are feeling positive about this advancement, believing that increasing housing density is vital for meeting the ongoing demand. A future city council meeting will further discuss which neighborhoods the zoning amendments will specifically impact, so stay tuned!

A New Housing Development Begins

A Meaningful Location

This new housing project is located in the city’s Victorian Neighborhood, a site that previously housed the second location of Savannah Pharmacy, the first Black-owned pharmacy in the area. It’s exciting to see a new chapter opening in this historic community!

Strategic Housing Initiatives

The Mayor emphasized that strategic location for housing is vital, especially when it comes to transportation and childcare challenges for residents. This project marks the fifth initiative under the *Housing Savannah Action Plan*, which aims to transform vacant or blighted city-owned lots into viable housing options.

Looking Ahead

The housing development is expected to take around *12 months* to complete, anticipating to open its doors in *spring 2026*. Thank you, Savannah City Council, for taking these meaningful steps toward increasing affordable housing options! Your efforts are sure to make a difference in the lives of countless residents!