Legislative Affairs Update
Clayton County Zoning Ordinance Rewrite
Greetings Members:
This fall, The Clayton County Department of Community Development and Board of Commissioners began the process of undertaking a comprehensive zoning ordinance rewrite of unincorporated Clayton County, aligned with the recently adopted "Moving Clayton Forward 2039 Comprehensive Plan." With Consultants: Sizemore Group, White Smith Cousino, and Sycamore Consulting, this project aims to modernize the zoning and land development regulations, last updated in 2008, to better meet current and future needs.
MSAR's Legislative Affairs and Executive Committee recognizes that Clayton County's comprehensive plan presents both significant growth opportunities and challenges for the community. While the goals of smart growth, increased green spaces, and housing affordability are commendable, MSAR has several critical concerns that must be addressed to ensure the plan truly benefits current and future residents, businesses, and property owners.
MSAR recognizes that REALTORS, you, are the subject matter experts, whose opinions need to be heard about these pending changes in Clayton County. MSAR has officially launched an outreach plan to all Commissioners and Consultants to ensure that REALTORS have a seat at the drafting table with this initiative, which will have an enormous impact on Clayton County homeowners, buyers, renters, business owners, and REALTORS.
So far, our outreach attempts have been met with an eager desire for collaboration and genuine care. We have begun a series of meetings with the consulting firms involved and outlined that we desire to be referenced as subject matter experts on the zoning rewrite, community and corporate stakeholders, and used as drafting partners to ensure that every voice is heard and the REALTOR voice is uplifted throughout this process.
The Journey so Far:
MSAR has been working closely with GAR's Advocacy Team to leverage professional talent and REALTOR insight to engage with commissioners and consultants in the most educated, efficient, and empowered way.
MSAR has started a comprehensive review of next steps that will enable us to engage the commissioners and consultants in a way that encompasses all REALTOR priorities. These next steps may include applying for NAR grants to assist Clayton County, mobilizing our members to act, collecting REALTOR feedback, hosting information sessions for our members, and otherwise engaging at every level possible.
MSAR has identified critical areas of focus that should be addressed in the new plan. They include:
Housing variety and affordability
Predictability and transparency in land use/zoning decisions
Infrastructure and growth to support future real estate needs
Small business and property rights
Mixed-use and smart growth elements
Community engagement and inclusion of REALTOR insights
Clayton County's poverty rates compared to surrounding areas
Public transportation
New development incentives pricing out existing residents
Added green spaces
Criteria to prevent abatement and abandonment
Community beautification
Next Steps:
We need your opinions, feedback, questions, and expertise as subject matter experts, as it relates to the zoning ordinance of Clayton County. Use
THIS LINK to submit your feedback and questions for MSAR's Legislative Affairs Committee.
We are empowering and encouraging ALL Members and Clayton County residents and stakeholders to attend one or both of the upcoming public informational sessions being hosted by the county. You may see those dates below:
MSAR thanks you in advance for your expertise, participation, and trust as we embark on a journey that helps to solidify you as the voice of real estate in Clayton County.
Best, MSAR's Legislative Affairs Committee
