The Associated Press
SAVANNAH — Savannah has only five lawful rooming houses, but city officials say they suspect more than 100 other buildings are being used as rooming houses without a license and probably without proper zoning or construction.
City zoning administrator Randolph Scott Sr. says that as of July 13, at least 101 buildings were under investigation.
Scott says 42 of the 101 homes were facing administrative action and another 29 were in Chatham County Recorder's Court.
In early 2009, the city formed a partnership with Savannah-Chatham police and other departments to address the rooming house problem.
Savannah Fire marshals have combed suspected illegal rooming houses for deadly infractions, such as dead bolts on interior doors and no emergency lighting or proper escape routes.
