ATLANTA – At the July 6 meeting of the Atlanta City Council, Atlanta City Councilmember Kwanza Hall introduced a resolution directing the Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Community Development to conduct a feasibility study to determine whether the City of Atlanta Code of Ordinances currently allows for the construction of tiny houses and micro-unit apartments and, if not, how the code can be revised to make the city more friendly to smaller housing alternatives.

The concept of tiny homes is not new to the metropolitan Atlanta area. In 2014 the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) constructed three temporary micro-unit apartments or “SCADpads”—each the size of a parking space (135 square feet)—in a Midtown parking garage.

“Atlantans want to see the city embrace a broad spectrum of housing options,” said Councilmember Hall. “Many cities across the U.S. are experiencing increased demand for apartments and homes that occupy a smaller footprint than traditional residences. These alternatives are typically less expensive than traditional apartments and homes. My legislation will help us identify impediments and opportunities for a new generation of city residents who are looking for new residential living alternatives.”
Councilmember Hall has asked that the feasibility study examine current city, county, and state regulations that prohibit or impede the construction of tiny houses and micro-unit apartments. The Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Community Development would issue a recommendation within 180 days of adoption of the legislation.

The legislation was referred to the Council’s Community Development and Human Resource Committee.

Contact:
Dexter Chambers
Council Communications Director
404-330-6309 – Direct/404-392-0159-Cell
dchambers@atlantaga.gov
July 8, 2015