Over the past year and a half, the Savannah Area Chamber has collaborated with business organizations, the City of Savannah, and neighborhood groups to discuss the proposed expansion of the Hotel Overlay District (HDO), initially adopted in 2018.
The Chamber clarified its stance that an expansion was unnecessary since no hotels are currently permitted by right in the entire expansion area. Several neighborhood representatives petitioned for boundary enlargement, prompting a comprehensive study now available.
Business groups led by the Tourism Leadership Council emphasized that most of the study area is residential and unsuitable for hotel development. They advocated retaining major commercial corridors within the HDO for business purposes.
The study presents three options for consideration by the Planning Commission and eventually by City Council. The options include two approaches for small hotel development in specific areas and a third option prohibiting hotel permitting throughout the HDO.
An initial presentation to the Planning Commission is scheduled for August 26, with a formal recommendation on September 16. This recommendation will then be presented to City Council.
There are multiple opportunities to provide feedback to the City, Planning Commission, and City Council. Comments can be directed to pl******@********ga.gov. The Chamber newsletter will offer updates on meetings and further feedback opportunities.
The Chamber will monitor developments closely and invites input at in**@*************er.com. A webpage detailing HDO history, studies, and documentation is accessible online.
