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Council reviews first readings of zoning, outdoor lighting, tree preservation and noise ordinances
Summary
At first reading the council reviewed several planning and environment-related ordinances — updates to zoning procedures, a night‑sky/outdoor lighting standard, a tree-preservation and replacement standard, and a city noise article — and directed staff to bring all to planning commission/public hearing as appropriate.
The Mableton City Council on April 23 took first readings of several ordinances addressing land use and environmental controls and directed staff to route the measures to the planning commission for public hearing where appropriate.
Zoning code updates: Council heard proposed changes that clarify planning commission and board of zoning appeals procedures, including a provision that an appointee who moves outside their appointing councilmember’s district be required to report the move and that chair selection may be made annually (rather than only at the first January meeting). The city attorney said the changes respond to planning commissioners’ feedback and increase clarity about postponement, voting and notice procedures. The item will be considered at the planning commission’s May 6 meeting and return for council action after public hearing.
Outdoor lighting (night-sky) ordinance: Staff presented a new draft (Chapter 10, Article 4) modeled on Atlanta’s night‑sky standards. The draft establishes maximum and minimum illumination levels for permitted uses, rules for security and pedestrian lighting, temporary lighting permits and a variance path via the board of zoning appeals. Community Development will present the ordinance to the planning commission at the May 6 meeting. Sustainability and Beautification Director Emily Groff told council the rules are intended to prevent high‑intensity lighting from creating glare or nuisance and to help the city qualify for green-community recognition.
Tree preservation and replacement: The council reviewed a draft Tree Preservation and Replacement ordinance (Chapter 11, new Article 2) that sets permit procedures, exemptions (emergency removals, utility pruning), replacement standards and a tree preservation fund. The city attorney said the ordinance adopts technical replacement formulas and inspection, maintenance and surety requirements; staff and council discussed whether the city will retain or contract with arborists to support technical reviews.
Noise ordinance: Council reviewed a new nuisance/noise article (Chapter 13, Article 3). The draft sets decibel thresholds, time-of-day limits for certain activities, and special variances, and it addresses fireworks restrictions tied to state law and the county fire marshal’s enforcement. Staff noted animal‑control and sheriff/police roles still must be coordinated via existing intergovernmental agreements; the city will not take over animal control until contractual arrangements with the county are finalized. The ordinance was presented for first reading and will return after staff and the planning commission have had an opportunity for public input and technical edits.
None of the measures were adopted on final reading; the planning commission will receive several items at its May 6 meeting for public comment and recommendation to council.
