Dawsonville council adopts six-month moratorium on new zoning and rezoning applications

The Dawsonville City Council on Dec. 1 voted to adopt Resolution R2025-09, enacting a six-month moratorium on the acceptance of new commercial and residential zoning and rezoning applications while the city reviews its zoning ordinance.

City Attorney Kevin Tallent explained the moratorium follows an emergency moratorium that was set to expire the next day and said the adopted moratorium would remain in effect for six months—until June 2, 2026—unless the council repeals it earlier. Tallent stressed the moratorium would not affect rezoning applications already filed, properties already zoned, variance applications for properties already in a zoning district, or annexations that carry county performance standards when annexed.

During the public hearing on the resolution, Michael Turner spoke in opposition, saying the moratorium creates uncertainty for property owners and businesses and offering to volunteer to assist with zoning reviews. No speakers identified themselves in favor of the moratorium at the public hearing. After discussion, Council member Mark French moved to adopt the resolution and Council member Ilk seconded; the mayor announced the motion "passed 3–1." Council member Sandy Sawyer said the moratorium would give staff and council time to hold a retreat and to work on ordinance clarifications.

The resolution gives the council a pause to consolidate, clarify and rewrite zoning rules without new rezoning applications being accepted during the moratorium period. Council members and staff indicated they would schedule further public engagement and review work before the moratorium expires.