Cobb County unveils housing 'toolbox' of zoning and program options; board asks for fuller menu

Jessica Gwynn, Community Development director, and planner Steven Gonzales presented a 'housing toolbox' framed in three phases: quick wins (two‑year items), toolbox building (requires partnerships/resources) and building the system (long‑term strategies). Gonzales said the presentation was intended as a menu of options rather than formal recommendations.

Staff walked through several tools. On accessory dwelling units (ADUs) Gonzales said, “For those not familiar with ADUs, they are small secondary residences located on the same lot as a primary home,” and noted an ADU ordinance was first introduced to the board in 2024. He described density bonuses as voluntary incentives allowing slightly greater density in exchange for public benefits such as attainable housing or parks, and explained expedited permitting as a way to shorten review time for qualifying projects.

Gonzales also outlined strategic investments: land banks to acquire and return underutilized or blighted properties to productive use; and transfer of development rights (TDR) to move development potential from preservation areas to receiving areas. He said Georgia law provides a framework for land banks and neighboring counties offer precedents staff can study.

Commissioners asked how the toolbox items would be integrated with the Unified Development Code (UDC), what costs would be borne by the county or developers, and how outreach would be handled. The chairwoman said she has a housing town hall planned for September and requested the full menu of tools be fleshed out for public presentation so residents understand each option and its implications.