Gay council unanimously adopts three ordinances in Nov. 11 meeting

The Town of Gay council unanimously approved three ordinances at its Nov. 11 meeting, advancing new local rules on zoning, development regulations and building standards.

Council members debated the second reading of the Zoning and Land Use Ordinance, which includes provisions on banners and signs and rules for cutting trees. Council member Pritchett suggested the town hire an arborist or consult the Georgia Forestry Commission to survey tree health, disease and age before finalizing regulations on cutting old-growth trees. After discussion, Pritchett moved to adopt the ordinance and Council member Watts seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

The council then approved the Development Regulations Ordinance on its second reading with no discussion. Council member Watts moved to adopt the ordinance and Council member Keith seconded; the vote was unanimous.

Finally, the council agreed to repeal the existing Title 6 Planning and Development Ordinance and replace it with a new Title 6 Building Ordinance. Council member Watts had outlined changes intended to align Title 6 with the newly adopted Title 14 Zoning and Land Use Ordinance and to expand and clarify provisions while removing duplicate sections; Council member Keith moved for repeal and replacement, and Watts seconded. That motion also passed unanimously.

All three measures were entered into the official minutes; Mayor Christopher J. Walker also read a letter thanking Planning Commission members for their work on the Zoning and Land Use Ordinance. No roll-call tallies were recorded in the minutes beyond the notation that each vote was unanimous.