Committee backs HB 1166 to allow one small secondary dwelling per homesteaded parcel

Lawmakers on the House Governmental Affairs Committee advanced HB 1166, a substitute that would let homeowners build one secondary dwelling unit of 400 square feet or less on the same parcel without going through a zoning decision.

Representative Brett Herring, who presented the substitute (LC 4741S), said the measure is aimed at ‘‘families’’ — grandparents, returning adult children or caregivers — and reiterated that local governments retain authority on building codes, septic systems, flood‑plain rules, and other health and safety standards. The substitute limits parcels to one such unit and leaves local permitting and code compliance in place.

Members sought and won an amendment to clarify the bill applies to homesteaded residential parcels. Representative Thomas offered language to insert the word "homesteaded" on line 54; the committee adopted that amendment. Supporters — including Enterprise Community Partners, Habitat for Humanity and Georgia Realtors — testified that the change would increase smaller, affordable housing options without large‑scale development.

The committee voted to pass the bill as amended and sent it to the Rules Committee.

What happens next: With the homestead clarification included, HB 1166 moves to Rules; members signaled potential further refinements but described the substitute as preserving local health and safety oversight while expanding options for family‑centered secondary units.