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Decatur Council adopts rewritten zoning ordinance to implement comprehensive plan

Decatur City Council · November 18, 2025
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Summary

The Decatur City Council voted 5–0 to adopt a rewritten zoning ordinance and updated zoning map designed to implement the city'wide comprehensive plan, adding standards such as landscape buffers and rules for accessory dwelling units. The ordinance takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Decatur City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 17, 2025, to adopt a rewritten zoning ordinance and updated zoning map intended to implement the 1 Decatur comprehensive plan and provide clearer rules for development.

Planning Director (presenter) told the council the rewrite condenses zoning classes, adds standards such as landscape buffers and rules for accessory dwelling units and mini-storage, and gives the planning director limited variance authority to expedite certain decisions. "This document takes us where we want to go," the director said, urging council to begin implementation and continue refining the code through amendments.

Council discussion emphasized that the ordinance is a "living" document that will be adjusted over time. Mayor Ken Morris and several council members said the new language is clearer and will help protect existing neighborhoods while streamlining development procedures. The council approved the ordinance by roll call; the chair noted the ordinance will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

The rewrite reflects multiple years of work and public input spanning three administrations, the presenter said, and city staff proposed forming a stakeholder committee to meet regularly during early implementation to gather feedback and prepare any future text amendments.

What happens next: The ordinance goes into effect as scheduled on Jan. 1, 2026; staff said it will be phased in with stakeholder outreach and additional amendments returned to the planning commission and council as needed.