Georgia Governor Issues Executive Order For Home Building Industry

ATLANTA, GA – March 23, 2020 – (Reposted from www.atlantahomebuilders.com) We are grateful for Governor Brian Kemp, a former home builder himself, and his recognition of the service our members provide to our communities. His recent Executive Order will make sure our members continue to work through this unprecedented crisis. On Friday, March 20, the Office of Governor Brian Kemp issued the following executive order:

“Reducing Regulations to Assist the State’s Response to the Spread of COVID-19”

From the Executive Order

Whereas: Counties and municipalities responsible for regulating inspections of buildings or similar structures to ensure compliance with the state minimum standard codes have smaller workforces and cannot meet the demand for inspections in this State…

It is ordered: That because of limited staffing and increasing wait times, I have determined that all counties and municipalities in this state that regulate inspections of buildings or similar structures to ensure compliance with the state minimum standard codes in accordance with Code Section 8-2-26 may not be able to provide regulatory action or inspection within the time frames required by Code Section 8-2-26(g)(4). Therefore, it is hereby ordered that all applicants seeking plan review or inspections in these cities and counties pursuant to Code Section 8-2-26 are not required to wait out the time frames required by Code Section 8-2-26(g)(4) and have the option of retaining “private professional provider[s]” immediately to provide the required plan review or inspection in accordance with the provisions of Code Section 8-2-26(g)(5). The Order does not otherwise amend or abate the requirements of Code Section 8-2-26, nor does it suspend the enforcement of its provisions.

We continue to work with our state association, the Home Builders Association of Georgia, to bring you the latest updates and work on your behalf during this ever-changing situation.