Savannah Area REALTORS® calls on City Council to oppose all residential land use impact fees

Association advocates for affordable housing

Savannah Area REALTORS® (SAR) is calling on City of Savannah leaders to oppose the proposed residential land use impact fees. The request was made in a recent letter to Mayor Van Johnson, members of the Savannah City Council, and the City of Savannah’s Planning, Zoning, and Urban Design department. In the letter, SAR underscores the adverse effect of impact fees on housing affordability in the Savannah area.

The letter reads as follows:

“The Savannah Area REALTORS® is asking the council to oppose the proposed impact fees.

“Affordable housing is a major concern to our association. The lack of affordable housing is a major barrier to potential home buyers. With record-high prices and record-low inventory, we believe the impact fees as currently introduced will drastically increase the cost of housing, costs that will ultimately be passed on to consumers.

“Such costs will only serve to deprive consumers of home ownership and artificially limit availability and increase demand.

“We are asking for the council to remove all impact fees directed toward residential land use; including single-family detached housing, duplex or townhouses, and mid-rise multi-family.

“The benefits of affordable housing are far greater to the City of Savannah than the revenues of impact fees.

“Thank you for your consideration on this matter, and we look forward to hearing from you. Any comments or questions can be directed to our Governmental Affairs Director, Cody Jones at [email protected].

Signed,

Savannah Area REALTORS®”

Savannah Area REALTORS® (SAR) is the trade association for real estate licensees in Chatham, Bryan and Effingham counties, representing approximately 2,400 members. SAR is the voice for real estate in the Coastal Empire and works to provide education, promote the highest professional and ethical standards and address the changing needs of members while protecting private property rights and being active in the community. For more information, visit https://savannaharearealtors.com.