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Clayton County extends moratorium on new subdivisions and multifamily development while residential zoning is rewritten
Summary
The Clayton County Board of Commissioners voted June 2 to extend a moratorium on accepting applications for new single-family subdivisions and multifamily residential developments while staff finishes a rewrite of the county's residential zoning code. Commissioners requested additional data and graphics to guide a final decision.
The Clayton County Board of Commissioners on June 2 approved Resolution 2026-120 to extend a moratorium on the acceptance of applications for new single-family residential subdivisions and multifamily residential developments while the county completes a residential zoning code rewrite.
County planning staff told the board the pause is intended to prevent developers from building under the existing code while a new residential zoning framework — meant to address "missing middle" housing and affordability language — is finalized. A staff presenter said the residential portion of the zoning rewrite must be finished before the county can resume normal permitting to avoid outcomes the new code is designed to prevent.
Commissioners repeatedly asked for research and visuals to inform their vote. Commissioner Reeves and others asked whether a study had been completed during the initial six‑month moratorium and requested comparative intake data for the past two years. Staff said that the Atlanta Regional Commission is conducting a related housing assessment and that planning staff can compile intake and comparison data and prepare graphics for a work session.
Several commissioners expressed concern about the moratorium's effect on developers with pending projects, including veterans housing and small senior duplex plans, and asked whether the board can lift the moratorium earlier if the residential code is ready. Planning staff and the county attorney confirmed the moratorium can be lifted at any time and said the intent is to conclude the residential rewrite and then remove the restriction.
The board adopted the extension by voice vote. A staff representative said the extension will give the county time to adopt the new residential zoning provisions; commissioners directed staff to provide the requested data and visualizations at the next work session and to return with any necessary implementation materials.
What happens next: staff will provide comparative development data and graphics to commissioners at the forthcoming work session so the board can assess the moratorium's impact and the timing for adopting the residential portion of the zoning rewrite.
