Fayette County approves zoning change to allow lighting at nonprofit athletic fields

The Fayette County Board of Commissioners on July 25 approved Ordinance 2024-03, amending Chapter 110 of the county zoning code to permit outdoor athletic facility lighting for recreation centers owned and operated by nonprofit organizations.

Fayette County Zoning Administrator Deborah Sims told the board the revision creates continuity with rules that already allow athletic facilities associated with private schools to use lighting until 10:00 p.m. and fills a gap that previously left nonprofit-operated recreation centers without a similar provision. "This revision is to create alignment and continuity in the ordinance and would provide for lighting for nonprofit-operated recreation centers," Sims said.

No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition during the public hearing. Vice Chairman Edward Gibbons moved to approve the ordinance; Commissioner Charles W. Oddo seconded. The motion passed 3-0 (Commissioners Eric Maxwell and Charles Rousseau were absent).

The ordinance change applies only to recreation centers registered as nonprofit organizations with the Georgia Secretary of State, per the amendment language presented to the board. The county did not specify further operational details such as permitted light levels or required shielding in the motion; those parameters remain governed by the ordinance language as amended and related zoning procedures.

The board’s action followed a public hearing and an explanation by county staff; there was no recorded amendment or request for additional study. The ordinance takes effect as provided by county procedure.