Lawsuit Accuses Athens Commissioners of Illegal Discussions Ahead of STR Decision

4/3/2024

A group of short-term rental (STR) property owners has filed a lawsuit against the Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, government, challenging a recent county commission decision to amend the county zoning ordinance that could curtail STR operations. In addition to raising property rights issues, the lawsuit filed in Athens-Clarke County Superior Court contends that Athens-Clarke Mayor Kelly Girtz and the 10 district commissioners violated the state's open meetings law when they took a break outside of public view, apparently discussing the amendment, after two failed votes on the issue during a recent meeting at which the ordinance was approved. Following the extended recess, the commission unanimously voted to adopt the ordinance without any discussion, the lawsuit notes. The lawsuit contends that STRs are “an ordinary residential use,” and goes on to call the demarcation of less than 31 days of occupancy at a time to define an STR as “irrational.” The lawsuit also contends the local government did not undertake any detailed analysis on the impact of STRs locally.

Athens Banner-Herald (GA) (03/27/24) Jim Thompson

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