Last week, Atlanta’s mayor, Andre Dickens, signed an Executive Order establishing a temporary moratorium on new self-storage developments across the City of Atlanta.
Wait… what’s going on?
The Executive Order, which you can read in its entirety here, directs the Department of City Planning’s Office of Buildings and Office of Zoning and Development to refuse new applications for building permits, land disturbance permits, special use permits, special administrative permits, and rezonings related to self-storage facilities, secure-storage facilities, and mixed-use storage facilities.
Mayor Dickens said in a statement,
Atlanta is growing, and we have a responsibility to make sure that growth creates opportunity for the people who call our neighborhoods home. This Executive Order is not about eliminating self-storage facilities—it is about ensuring we are thoughtful about where they belong. In communities where families need housing, grocery stores, jobs and gathering spaces, we cannot afford to lose critical land without asking whether that development advances our vision for a stronger, healthier Atlanta.
In other words, this executive order protects neighborhoods and communities’ vital land needs from being bought up by self-storage units.
This temporary pause on new self-storage developments will allow the City to evaluate how these developments align with Atlanta’s goals for walkability, housing affordability, economic development, and vibrant communities.
So what happens next?
This Executive Order aligns with Atlanta City Councilmember Dustin Hillis’ legislation, creating time for the City to evaluate impacts of self-storage facilities on housing, economic development, and neighborhood-serving uses
Councilmember Dustin Hillis’ legislation, currently before Atlanta City Council, mirrors the Mayor’s action by establishing a temporary moratorium while the City considers zoning updates requiring additional review for future self-storage projects.
Hillis states,
As Atlanta continues to grow, we have to be intentional about how we use the limited land we have left. This legislation gives us time to make sure our zoning policies reflect our priorities — creating complete communities with housing options, access to services, thriving corridors, and opportunities for residents. I appreciate Mayor Dickens’ partnership and swift action to protect neighborhoods while Council completes this important work.
The Executive Order will remain in effect until the next Atlanta City Council meeting, where Council will consider the accompanying moratorium legislation.
As this story develops, we will update you as well.
