The Home Builders Association of Georgia is championing statewide legislation, it says, that would streamline permitting and regulatory processes and help address housing affordability concerns among consumers.
Georgia House Bill 812 seeks to curb red tape that keeps builders from developing lots in a timely manner, according to Gabe Chatham, new president of the trade group. The bill also would reduce moratoriums that make it difficult to build in some areas, he said.
"We understand that cities and counties have to operate in a way that shows care for their citizens," Chatham told Homes.com. "But there are some tactics that don't help those trying to invest in the community. These processes get so drawn out, and expenses go up."
The 3,500-member homebuilders group introduced the bill at the end of the legislative session this year and it has strong support among lawmakers to reintroduce it again during the 2026 session that begins Jan. 12, Chatham said.
Record home prices in recent years and persistently elevated mortgage rates have quelled demand for new homes, U.S. builders say. Reducing costs for the builders will keep prices down for prospective buyers, according to Chatham.
"We hear story after story from people who say, 'I want my kids to live in the place where they grew up, but there's not an affordable option for them,'" he said.
Homebuilder spans three generations
Chatham, vice president of Chathambilt Homes in Alpharetta, Georgia, assumed the yearlong post as head of the Builders Association of Georgia last month, succeeding Franklin Bailey. Chatham previously served as president of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association.
Chatham's grandfather, Howard, launched Chathambilt in 1948 after returning from World War II, and Howard's son, David, joined the business in 1972 after graduating from the University of Georgia.
David Chatham, Gabe's father and a member of the Georgia Home Builder Hall of Fame, runs Chathambilt's day-to-day operations. The company has built over 5,500 custom homes and developed more than 175 residential communities across the Atlanta metropolitan area in the past 77 years. The typical home the company builds sells for between $3 million and $5 million, Gabe Chatham said.
Aside from custom homes, Chathambilt has entities that develop lots and has ownership interests in three Keller Williams Realty offices. Gabe Chatham's brothers, Myles and Lance, are also involved in the company.
Gabe, 47, is a father of four, and each of his brothers also has four children. The chances of Chathambilt reaching a fourth generation are excellent, according to Gabe Chatham.
"There will be a high level of interest," he said, laughing.