South Fulton City Council voted Aug. 26 to adopt changes to the city’s public participation requirements for zoning cases after a lengthy debate about how to ensure residents receive timely notice.

The amended rules require developers to hold hybrid public participation meetings, mail notice to residents at least 45 days before a hearing and offer United States Postal Service Every Door Direct Mail as an option for neighborhood notice. Council members also amended the draft to require that in‑person meetings be held within the city limits whenever feasible; the council removed a proposed requirement that the city itself must publish meeting notices on city social media.

Why it matters: Council members said the changes aim to increase notice and participation for residents who have repeatedly told officials they did not receive timely information about nearby projects. Opponents of the social‑media requirement — including the city attorney — argued mandating city posting could create a legal risk if the city failed to post and later be cited for a procedural defect.

Key provisions adopted:
- Hybrid meetings (in‑person and virtual) are required to increase access.
- Mailed notices must be sent 45 days before a public participation meeting.
- Developers must notify the council by email at least 30 days before the meeting.
- Applicants may use Every Door Direct Mail in lieu of first‑class mailings.
- Council amended language to require meetings be held within the city or within 5 miles of the project only when necessary; the council emphasized priority for in‑city locations where possible.

Council debate: Mayor Pro Tem Linda Becker Pritchett and Councilwoman Helen Willis were among the most vocal in the discussion. Willis pressed for meetings to be held inside the city boundaries and for stronger guarantees that residents are informed; other members sought flexibility where towns border one another and where a site lacks a suitable in‑city venue. The city attorney advised against making social‑media posting a legal requirement, saying a city failure to post could invalidate a zoning action.

Vote and implementation: After amendments and a call for the question, council approved the ordinance as amended 6‑0. Council asked staff to operationalize the ordinance and provide a list of suitable meeting locations in each district to reduce the need to move meetings outside city limits.

Ending: The council directed staff to finalize implementation details and return with clarifying operational procedures; the effective date and implementation timetable will be determined by staff to allow for operational rollout.