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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