June 05, 2026
Notice of Public Hearing: Proposed Changes to the Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is announcing proposed changes to the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Administrative Plan and is inviting public comment. The proposed changes update DCA policies related to payment standards, Project Based Voucher (PBV) owner-paid reinspection fees and related contract action, and the HCV Homeownership Program, including a Pathway 2 Interest List.
How to Submit Written Comment
Written comments regarding the proposed changes may be submitted through July 14, 2026, using any of the methods below:
Hand Deliver To:
ATTN: Ryan Smith, Director of Program Governance
1875 Century Blvd. Ste 400
Atlanta, GA 30345
Mail To:
Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
ATTN: Ryan Smith, Director of Program Governance
P.O. Box 450329
Atlanta, GA 31145
Email To:
Craig McLean, HCV Project Support Analyst
[email protected]
Public Hearing Information
DCA will hold a Public Hearing via teleconference and in person on July 14, 2026,
from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend and provide public comments.
In Person:
1875 Century Blvd. Ste 400
Atlanta, GA 30345
Teleconference:
A link to join will be available at www.dcaga.zendesk.com/hc on July 14, 2026.
Summary of Proposed HCV Administrative Plan Changes
The table below summarizes the proposed policy changes that will be incorporated into the HCV Administrative Plan. Chapter, section, and regulatory citations are provided for reference.
| Policy Area | Proposed Change | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
Payment Standards Chapter 16-II. B • 24 CFR 982.503 • pg. 16-3 | Set HCV payment standards at 90 percent of the applicable Fair Market Rent (FMR), unless DCA establishes a different payment standard by bedroom size, payment standard area, exception area, or other HUD-permitted category. Apply prospectively and preserve hold harmless and exception payment standard authority. | Supports shortfall mitigation and future HAP cost control while preserving HUD-permitted exceptions and protections for existing families. |
PBV Owner-Paid Reinspection Fees, OPM Referral, and Contract Action Chapter 17-III.D • 24 CFR 983.103(b) • pg. 17-16 | Add owner-paid reinspection fees for units that repeatedly fail reinspections due to previously cited owner-responsible deficiencies. DCA may assess a $1,000 fee at the third failed reinspection and a $5,000 fee at the fourth failed reinspection, or any subsequent failed reinspection, in accordance with DCA’s fee schedule. The fee shall not apply to the initial inspection, the first inspection during assisted occupancy, tenant-caused damage, failed access, newly identified deficiencies, or conditions outside the owner’s responsibility. | Strengthens owner accountability, reduces repeated failed reinspections, and protects administrative capacity. |
HCV Homeownership Program Two-Pathway Structure Chapter 15-VII.B • 24 CFR 982.627 • pg. 15-13 | Operate the HCV Homeownership Program through two eligibility pathways: Pathway 1: FSS Pathway and Pathway 2: Financial Readiness Pathway with Post-Closing Stabilization Support. Families not proceeding through Pathway 1 may be considered under Pathway 2 only if they meet all Pathway 2 requirements. | Expands access for financially ready HCV participants while maintaining readiness, counseling, compliance, and sustainable homeownership standards. |
Homeownership Program Capacity and Pathway 2 Interest List Chapter 15-VII.B • 24 CFR 982.627 • pg. 15-13 | Once DCA reaches the approved Homeownership Program cap, DCA may maintain a capacity-based Pathway 2 Interest List for active HCV participants, including zero-HAP families, who are not proceeding through Pathway 1 but appear to meet DCA's preliminary Pathway 2 financial readiness requirements. | Provides a capacity-management tool for Pathway 2 families without creating a new HCV tenant-based waiting list. |
All public comments received during the comment period will be reviewed and considered before DCA takes final action on the proposed Administrative Plan changes.