Georgia County Officials Approve 120-Day Self-Storage Moratorium

Rockdale County in Georgia, an area located approximately 25 miles east of downtown Atlanta, has instituted a moratorium on certain business establishments including self-storage. In a meeting of the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 28, it has been determined that the acceptance, review, and issuance of all new permits or approvals for gas stations, vape shops, self-storage facilities, and “small box discount retailers” shall be halted for 120 days.

The decision comes while Rockdale County is in the process of updating its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for the first time in 10 years. The updated UDO will continue working towards “achieving balance of different uses” in Rockdale County.

Their reasoning? According to country officials, a study found that some types of retail land establishments correlate with "negative social outcomes," such as crime and decreased property values. They believe that limits on these types of developments can “achieve improved safety, community health, and economic development outcomes.”

The moratorium will expire on May 1 or upon adoption of an amendment to the UDO or Rockdale County Code of Ordinance, whichever comes first.