Smyrna Implements 6-Month Ban On Townhome Developments

SMYRNA, GA — The city of Smyrna won't see any more new townhomes proposed for at least the next six months, after a Smyrna City Council vote Monday.

Council members approved a six-month moratorium on new townhome developments at the Monday meeting, which passed in a 6-1 vote. Council Member Austin Wagner voted in opposition.

This moratorium means new rezoning applications to build townhomes in the city of Smyrna will be on hold as the city examines its code. The city is planning to create a new zoning category specifically for townhomes, per discussions at the meeting, which are considered single-family housing under the city's current code.

Some residents have complained about the lack of development and architectural standards for townhome developments, the Marietta Daily Journal reported.

Wagner said construction costs would increase if the city were to implement stricter architectural standards, during a time when the city is trying to spur economic development and add more affordable housing options.

“If we end up moving in that direction towards these building standards, it’s going to clearly indicate that we, as a city, aren’t concerned about housing affordability issues that we have here,” Wagner said during the meeting.

However, Mayor Derek Norton said the moratorium just means the city has time to discuss what the new standards could be, but that debate will take place later. This just gives the city the opportunity to "get their arms around this better," according to the MDJ.