Peachtree City Council voted unanimously to approve a change to the city’s burn permit ordinance that prohibits outdoor burning of yard debris, the city’s presenting staff member said. The council’s action followed extensive public comment from residents who described smoke infiltrating yards, playgrounds and homes and urged a ban to protect health and quality of life.

Jeff Thummit, who presented the ordinance change, said the version before council outlines a complete ban. When asked about implementation, Thummit said there would be no controlled‑burn permits under the new ordinance and enforcement would follow existing municipal procedures: “If somebody violates city ordinance, then individuals that are sworn to uphold city ordinances… will be allowed to write citations per violation of this ordinance number,” he said, noting fines can be up to $1,000 or handled in municipal court.

More than a dozen members of the public spoke before the vote. Residents, including families and children, described repeated exposure to yard‑debris smoke at home and at public playgrounds and argued that modern alternatives exist. “Please make a rule to stop people from burning stuff in their yards,” said 6‑year‑old London Stoney during public comment. Several speakers contrasted Peachtree City to California wildfire conditions and said the city should adopt a full ban. Other commenters asked the city to ensure the mulch/recycling drop‑off remains available for residents and to communicate alternatives.

Council members asked staff how enforcement would work, whether fines would be imposed or warnings issued, and whether the city’s recycling center capacity would be maintained. Staff replied the recycling/mulch drop‑off would remain available and that enforcement discretion would remain with officers, who could issue warnings or citations depending on circumstances.

The council motion to approve the ordinance change passed unanimously. The text authorizing the fire chief to publish implementing rules and procedures was described as an administrative measure; staff said the fire department may create standard operating procedures for enforcement. The ordinance takes effect according to the schedule in the adopted language and will be enforced by fire, code and police officers under municipal code.