by Robin Kemp
Clayton County’s housing market is hot for buyers and sellers and a hot mess for renters facing high prices and the threat of COVID-19 evictions. This morning, you can join “A Conversation on Housing in Clayton County,” a Zoom chat with Rep. Sandra Scott. Sen. Gail Davenport, and Rep. Viola Davis to learn more about legislation related to housing in Georgia.
You’ll find out more about these three bills from the 2019-2020 session:
- HB980 defines “family” in terms of how local governments use zoning and enforce building, property maintenance, and housing codes.
- HB523 has to do with regulating short-term rentals like Air BnBs.
- HB302 would prevent local governments from imposing design standards–like telling you what kind of siding you can use or what color you can paint your house–on most one- and two-family homes. Some exemptions would apply to historic properties and mobile homes. The bill also would give homeowners more say about overlay districts.
The Zoom chat also will put you in touch with Dinnie Ziegler of the Housing Authority of Clayton County and Linda Boswell of Clayton County Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Join the conversation at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84433765941.
In other housing news, Clayton County will be taking applications for its Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) until October 3. The program provides funds to renters who are behind on rent due to COVID-19. Clayton County got $18,891.939 in federal funds, which it says “will be used to provide innovative housing stabilization programs and disbursement of funds until 2025 including, but not limited to, rental, utilities, and internet assistance.” For more information on how to apply, call (404) 858-6147 or e-mail erap@claytoncountyga.gov.
Also, if you’re over 62, disabled, or a veteran, open enrollment for the Community Development HUD Programs Division’s Essential Home Repair Program will be August 18 and 19 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The program can help you pay for roofing, electrical heating and air, and plumbing repairs, as well as some disability improvements. Call (678) 632-1670 (TDD callers: 711) during the enrollment period to get on the list for eligibility evaluation. Information is also available in Spanish and Vietnamese.
Housing Resources
Dinnie Ziegler, Clayton County Housing Authority
(404) 362-1200
fax (404) 362-0635
Linda Boswell, Clayton County HUD
(770) 477-4523
Rep. Sandra Scott (D-76, Rex)
(404) 656-0314
sandra.scott@house.ga.gov
Sen. Gail Davenport (D-44, Jonesboro)
(404) 463-5260
gail.davenport@senate.ga.gov
Rep. Viola Davis (D-87, Stone Mountain)
(404) 656-0109
viola.davis@house.ga.gov
