HB 155 — Annexation: Dispute Resolution Process; Zoning: Permit Procedures

This bill reforms the annexation dispute resolution process. It extends the timeline for appointing an arbitration panel in annexation disputes. Under the bill, this time frame is extended from 15 calendar days to 15 business days for DCA to propose panelists and then provides 5 calendar days for cities and counties to excuse panelists. This change allows more time for the department to process objections and select the panel members using a defined selection process.

The bill also allows both the municipality and the county to strike or excuse certain arbitrators after DCA randomly selects the arbitrators. The municipality can strike county officials and academics, while the county can strike municipal officials and academics. Failure to exercise strikes will not prevent DCA from appointing a panel.

Additionally, a floor amendment to this legislation would also require a county-wide referendum for any municipal spoke annexations travelling down the length of a road, river, or railroad. 

The Senate Substitute for this bill adds the provisions that were in HB 318, which failed to make crossover.

The additional language defines the types of land use decisions that are considered "quasi-judicial," such as decision on applications for variances, and administrative permits.  Quasi-judicial decisions are specifically not definied to include administrative permits. The bill further clarifies the appellate processes that may be used for review of quasi-judicial decisions and zoning decisions.

This bill was amended on the Senate floor on Sine Die and now includes language relating to Fulton County and cities in North Fulton. This language allows cities in North Fulton to manage their economic growth by limiting Fulton County's development authority. If a city in north Fulton County passes a resolution, the county authority cannot do tax incentives deals within that city. This gives those cities the option to use their own development authorities instead. Projects approved before January 1, 2026, are not affected.