South Fulton leaders impose strict restricts on affordable housing startup

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — Unsafe living conditions and a nuisance to the community is how City of South Fulton leaders are describing the latest temporary housing trend, “Pad Split.”

“Random individuals being in and out of the home,” Councilwoman Helen Willis said.

Willis told Channel 2′s Ashli Lincoln that investors led code enforcement officials to believe that a home off Roosevelt Highway was being renovated as a four-bedroom, single-family home.

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But once inside, she said inspectors found a 10-bedroom housing unit.

“It’s illegal,” Willis said.

Willis said the City of South Fulton had to step in by passing the following restrictions:

• Owners must obtain a special-use permit
• Register annually for a business license
• Be located near other multi-family zoning areas
• Subject to random inspections

Channel 2 spoke with a tenant who understands why some neighbors don’t like the idea.

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“The trash man couldn’t even come this week, because the cars were blocking it,” one tenant said.

Pad Split told Channel 2 in a previous statement that they’re an affordable housing solution, and they welcome continued collaboration with elected officials.

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The City of South Fulton said investors over this Pad Split property have been cooperating with the city.

“It’s necessary housing, it should not be in a single family residential community,” Willis said.

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