The Georgia House has given strong support to a measure that could bring tiny homes—more formally known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs)—to backyards across the state, including right here in Atlanta neighborhoods.
In a recent vote, lawmakers passed House Bill 1166, sponsored by Rep. Tangie Herring (D-Macon). The legislation would allow homeowners on most single-family residential lots to build one self-contained ADU of 400 square feet or less “by right.”
Tiny Homes Get Closer To Statewide Adoption
This means local zoning boards could not deny a properly permitted tiny home or backyard cottage simply because it’s an ADU, though units would still have to meet all existing state and local rules on building codes, utilities, septic systems, and historic districts.
The bill includes key amendments to address concerns: ADUs cannot be sold separately from the main house, and safeguards aim to prevent large institutional investors from using them to boost portfolios or flip properties…