Perimeter area leaders oppose homeowner bill

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Legislation introduced last week aimed at improving the affordability of Georgia homes has quickly drawn fierce opposition from officials in several Metro Atlanta cities.

House Bill 517, called the Georgia Homeowner Opportunity Act, was introduced by state Rep. Dale Washburn (R-Macon) Feb. 21 and would prevent local governments from regulating many different building design elements, from the style of porches to the number and types of rooms.

Supporters say HB 517, along with another bill barring local governments from placing moratoriums on new housing construction, would lower housing costs by cutting red tape and encouraging private sector innovation.

However, officials in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and many other municipalities are skeptical of these claims, citing the “slippery slope” effect it could have.

“This legislation undercuts one of the core functions of all local governments to plan for the growth and development of their community, and it undermines the ability of local

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