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Council weighs allowing Saturday construction; some members uneasy about 7 a.m. start
Summary
Staff presented Ordinance 2025-09 proposing to allow construction work on Saturdays (excluding Sundays), expanding current limits to permit developers and homeowners to schedule Saturday work. Several council members expressed concern about a 7 a.m. Saturday start time and enforcement difficulties.
City staff presented an ordinance (2025-09) at the Feb. 24 North Augusta study session that would amend Section 12-21(9) of the municipal code to allow construction work on Saturdays (but not Sundays). Staff said the intent is to accommodate homeowners who want weekend contractors and developers seeking six-day-a-week schedules for large projects.
City Administrator Jim Clifford introduced the proposal and explained the current code is more restrictive than many developers and homeowners expect. "This would allow for construction work to happen as it does now Monday through Friday 7AM to 6PM, but also expands that to Saturday. Does not include Sunday," Clifford said.
Council discussion focused on the appropriate start and end times for Saturday work. Multiple council members said a 7 a.m. Saturday start made them uncomfortable. "I probably could get more comfortable with it if we contracted those hours somewhat on Saturday, maybe just not to start so early in the morning," one council member said. Councilman David suggested a later start time: "Maybe do that 8." Another member noted enforcement history and practical challenges: staff and public safety have had to respond to ordinance violations in the past and that allowing Saturday work could reduce enforcement burden but might increase Saturday public-safety calls if residents complain.
Contractors and staff told council that Saturday is often used to make up for lost days because of weather and is important for keeping development schedules on track. "Saturday ends up being a catch up day if you have a bad weather day... it's very much needed," one contractor or industry speaker said during the discussion.
Clifford told council staff can take the feedback and return with recommended edits for the ordinance before first reading if the council wants to narrow the allowed Saturday hours. "If you want that in there, I can make sure it's in there for the first reading next week," he said.
Ending: Staff will collect council feedback on Saturday start/end times and enforcement language and revise the ordinance for the formal meeting cycle; no formal vote was taken at the study session.
