LISTEN: The city of Atlanta has placed a temporary ban on any new self-storage facilities. GPB’s Amanda Andrews reports that the city is reevaluating how the facilities impact neighborhoods.

A row of storage units with blue corrugated metal doors and white frames, aligned along a paved corridor that leads into the distance, emphasizing an organized and structured facility

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The city of Atlanta has placed a temporary ban on any new self-storage facilities. 

The city said it's reevaluating how the facilities affect neighborhoods.

Mayor Andre Dickens recently signed an executive order, building on legislation from Atlanta City Council member Dustin Hills. The change comes after Atlanta passed the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative to funnel resources into historically overlooked neighborhoods including West Campbellton, East Campbellton, the Lakewood / Jonesboro Corridor, Thomasville Heights, the Adamsville/ MLK Corridor, West Hollowell, Downtown, Grove Park / Bankhead, and English Avenue / Vine City.

One of those neighborhoods shared concerns that an upcoming self-storage development would use land that could host much-needed grocery stores, housing or community spaces. 

"This executive order is not about eliminating self-storage facilities," Dickens said. "It is about ensuring we are thoughtful about where they belong." 

The moratorium will stay in place until Atlanta City Council meets again on July 6.

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