RPAC
Local Permitting Reform Legislation
January 27, 2026
House Bill 812: Authored by Rep. Mike Cheokas (R-Americus), revises the process for how local governments can propose amendments to state minimum standards codes.
The primary purpose of the bill is to create a "shot clock" on local government plan reviews, reinforcing the 45-day turnaround requirement for permit reviews.
It also requires local governments to provide written comments with specific reasons for denying or rejecting the application, with a citation of applicable laws that have not been met. It then sets a 14-day deadline for action by the local government on revised applications.
The bill also seeks to strengthen the Department of Community Affairs' role in reviewing local code amendments by giving DCA 60 days to review local ordinances to determine the justification of the need for enhanced building codes (e.g. climate, topography, public safety). DCA would be given the authority to recommend against adoption, which the local government could not overrule.
As expected, local governments have expressed their concern to legislators regarding the bill. This bill, specifically the regulation of review times, is important to the building industry to ensure excessive delays do not negatively affect developers and builders. GAR is monitoring the issue.
About the GRBOR Market Brief
The Greater Rome Board of REALTORS® (GRBOR) Market Brief is compiled by Georgia Multiple Listing Service (GAMLS).For more information on details of this month's report, please contact the Board at 404.845.4025.
*Each month, the numbers reported for the previous month are updated to reflect additional recordings.
About the Greater Rome Board of REALTORS®
The Greater Rome Board of REALTORS® (GRBOR) has been an instrumental factor in the growth of real estate in Floyd County, Georgia for more than a decade. GRBOR serves as a central source of information for its members, with mainly focusing on real estate education, the promotion of professionalism in the industry and representing REALTORS® members with legislative initiatives to create positive change for the real estate community.
About Georgia Multiple Listing Service
Since 1962 Georgia MLS has been providing real estate professionals with exceptional service, proven technology solutions, and unmatched value. With a laser-sharp focus on making the day-to-day tasks of our MLS subscribers more functional, more productive, and more profitable, we continue to implement the service blueprint that has led to our continued growth. For additional information or to start a discussion about how to partner with GAMLS please contact georgiamls@gamls.com.