2024 Hotel Development Overlay Survey

During summer of 2023, a Hotel Development Overlay (Overlay, or HDO) extension was proposed jointly by Cuyler-Brownville, Thomas Square, and Victorian neighborhood associations. The purpose of the proposed Overlay extension was to prohibit all hotel development in our districts, superseding the base zoning (TC-1 and TC-2) that currently allows hotel development with a Special Use permit. A previous survey of residents and small businesses, supported by feedback in public meetings and a petition, overwhelmingly supported the Overlay extension proposal. 

The Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) did not approve the proposed Hotel Development Overlay extension, and requested further input from residents and stakeholders before holding a vote at a future meeting. 

Over several months, a working group consisting of stakeholders from the above neighborhoods representing residents and small businesses, alongside representatives from the City of Savannah, Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Leadership Council, MPC, Downtown Business Association, Historic Savannah Foundation, and the Downtown Neighborhood Association, proposed the “Small Hotel” definition (up to 40 rooms, max) that corresponds to what many people would think of as a “boutique hotel”. In our previous survey, some respondents indicated that they might support this type of hotel in some areas of the above neighborhoods.
 
So, this second survey was conducted to explore further options for the Overlay extension based upon the recommendations of the working group. Specifically, we wanted to know what you thought about this new “Small Hotel” definition and allowing development of this type of hotel along one or more corridors within the Overlay extension.
 
For further information on the working group discussions, please visit: https://www.savannahga.gov/hoteloverlay.