Georgetown, September 20, 2025
News Summary
The Georgetown City Council will hold a workshop to discuss changes to building and fire codes in response to the rising housing affordability crisis in the community. With average home prices soaring from $304,000 to $425,000 over five years, essential workers struggle to find affordable housing. Mayor Josh Schroeder emphasizes the need for safety while balancing affordability, hoping to support workforce housing for police officers, firefighters, and teachers. The council may ultimately decide to retain current codes after deliberation.
Georgetown City Council to Address Housing Affordability Issues
The city of Georgetown will hold a workshop meeting on Tuesday to discuss possible changes to building and fire codes. This initiative is in direct response to escalating concerns about housing affordability in the community. Mayor Josh Schroeder has expressed that steps must be taken to ensure that essential services and professions can continue to reside within the city amidst rising costs.
Rising Home Prices Highlight Urgency
The urgency of the workshop stems from the significant increase in average home prices in Georgetown. In just five years, the average home price has skyrocketed from $304,000 in August 2020 to $425,000 in August 2025, as reported by Redfin. These soaring costs have made it increasingly challenging for essential community workers—such as police officers, firefighters, and teachers—to find affordable housing in the area.
Aiming for Workforce Housing
The Georgetown City Council aims to facilitate good workforce housing for these critical roles. The council’s initiative seeks to ensure that housing regulations do not inadvertently hinder affordability. The mayor stressed the importance of balancing safety and affordability. Ensuring the safety and structural integrity of buildings remains a top concern, but the council is prepared to engage in dialogue about necessary code adjustments.
Building Codes Under Review
Jim Olk, the former president of the Building Officials Association of Texas, has noted that while modifying building codes may provide benefits, caution must be observed to maintain safety. Building codes are normally regarded as the minimum standards for construction, and cities possess the authority to amend these codes to cater to regional needs.
Learning from Past Disasters
In supporting this perspective, he referenced past natural disasters, specifically Hurricane Harvey, where buildings constructed to code demonstrated enhanced resilience compared to others that did not meet the minimum requirements. Such historical precedents underscore the importance of upholding safety standards even as the council seeks to address affordability.
Future of Building Codes
While discussions about potential changes are set to take place, the City Council has acknowledged that it might determine no changes are necessary after thorough deliberation. If appropriate, the current building and fire codes may remain unchanged, reflecting the council’s commitment to maintaining safety while exploring avenues to improve housing affordability.
Overview of Key Details
- Workshop Date: Tuesday
- Mayor’s Concerns: Housing affordability
- Home Price Increase: From $304,000 (August 2020) to $425,000 (August 2025)
- Focus on Workforce Housing: For police, fire, and education professionals
- Safety Considerations: Importance of structural integrity alongside affordability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the workshop meeting in Georgetown?
The city of Georgetown will hold a workshop meeting on Tuesday to discuss possible changes to building and fire codes.
What are the current home prices in Georgetown?
The average home price in Georgetown has increased significantly over the past five years, rising from $304,000 in August 2020 to $425,000 in August 2025, according to Redfin.
Who does the city council aim to support with housing changes?
The council aims to facilitate good workforce housing for essential community workers like police officers, firefighters, and teachers.
What is the council’s stance on building codes?
The council is open to discussions and evaluating the relevance of current codes for the community and might conclude that no changes are needed after deliberations.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Workshop Meeting | Scheduled for Tuesday |
| Home Prices | Increased from $304,000 in August 2020 to $425,000 in August 2025 |
| Targeted Workforce | Police officers, firefighters, teachers |
| Building Code Flexibility | Possible modifications for regional needs while ensuring safety |
| Expected Outcome | Possible retention of current codes if deemed appropriate |
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Additional Resources
- KXAN: Georgetown Plans to Review Housing Codes
- Wikipedia: Georgetown, Texas
- Community Impact: Officials Explore New Zoning District
- Google Search: Georgetown Housing Development
- Community Impact: Georgetown Homes on Market Longer
- Google Scholar: Georgetown Housing Market
- Community Impact: Homes in Georgetown Zip Code 78626
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgetown Real Estate
- Community Impact: Georgetown Home Sales Down
- Google News: Georgetown Housing Trends
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
