Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia Department 110 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

1. What the Compilation of Rules and Regulations Is

The Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia is the official collection of administrative rules adopted by Georgia state agencies.
These rules have the force of law, but they are not statutes (statutes are passed by the Georgia General Assembly).

Each state agency is assigned a department number.
Department 110 is assigned to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

2. Purpose of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA)

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs is responsible for supporting local governments, housing programs, and community development across the state.

Its mission generally includes:

Improving housing affordability and quality

Supporting economic and community development

Providing financial and technical assistance to local governments

Administering state and federal programs related to housing and infrastructure

The rules in Department 110 explain how DCA programs operate, who qualifies, and what procedures must be followed.

3. Legal Authority for Department 110 Rules

The DCA’s rules are adopted under authority granted by:

Georgia statutes (primarily in Title 50 and Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated)

Federal laws, when DCA administers federal programs (such as housing programs)

Although statutes give DCA authority, Department 110 rules explain the details of implementation, such as:

Application requirements

Compliance standards

Enforcement procedures

4. Structure of Department 110 Rules

Department 110 is organized into chapters, with each chapter focusing on a specific program or responsibility.

Each chapter typically contains:

Purpose and scope

Definitions

Eligibility criteria

Application and approval procedures

Compliance and monitoring requirements

Penalties or corrective actions

5. Major Subject Areas Covered by Department 110

A. Housing Programs

These rules govern how DCA administers housing assistance, including:

Affordable housing development

Rental housing programs

Homeownership assistance

Housing rehabilitation

Rules may address:

Income limits

Property standards

Tenant protections

Owner and developer obligations

Reporting requirements

B. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Administration

Department 110 includes rules for administering federal low-income housing tax credits in Georgia.

These rules explain:

How developers apply for tax credits

How projects are scored and selected

Compliance monitoring

Penalties for noncompliance

C. Community Development and Local Government Assistance

DCA supports cities and counties through grants and planning assistance.

Rules in this area cover:

Community Development Block Grants

Infrastructure funding

Downtown development programs

Local government eligibility and compliance

D. Planning and Regional Coordination

Some rules address:

Local comprehensive planning requirements

Coordination between state, regional, and local entities

Standards for land use planning and development consistency

E. Financial Assistance and Grants Management

These rules explain:

How funds are awarded

How funds must be used

Recordkeeping requirements

Audits and reviews

Repayment or recapture of funds if rules are violated

6. Compliance, Monitoring, and Enforcement

Department 110 rules typically include provisions for:

Monitoring funded projects

Inspections and reporting

Corrective action plans

Suspension or termination of funding

Repayment of funds in serious cases

DCA has authority to enforce compliance to ensure public funds are used properly.

7. Who Must Follow Department 110 Rules

The rules apply to:

Local governments (cities and counties)

Housing developers and property owners

Nonprofit organizations

Program participants and beneficiaries

Any entity receiving DCA-administered funds

Failure to follow these rules can result in:

Loss of funding

Legal penalties

Disqualification from future programs

8. Rulemaking Process

Rules in Department 110 are adopted through Georgia’s administrative rulemaking process, which includes:

Proposed rule publication

Opportunity for public comment

Review and final adoption

Once adopted, the rules are legally binding.

9. Relationship to Other Laws

Department 110 rules:

Must comply with Georgia statutes

Must comply with applicable federal laws

Do not override statutes but fill in operational details

If a conflict exists, statutes and federal law take priority.

10. Practical Importance of Department 110

Department 110 rules are critical because they:

Determine who receives housing and community funds

Set standards for fairness and accountability

Protect public resources

Shape local development across Georgia

They directly affect housing availability, infrastructure quality, and community growth statewide.

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