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Acworth board approves zoning text amendments to bar donation bins, streamline site plans and set rules for tattoo parlors
Summary
The Acworth Board of Aldermen voted 4–1 July 2 to amend Chapter 73 of the zoning code to prohibit donation bins citywide, eliminate the separate site-plan approval step for conforming developments and adjust how and where tattoo parlors are allowed. The text change removes a special‑land‑use permit requirement for certain overlay areas and directs staff to implement the other ordinance updates.
The Acworth Board of Aldermen on July 2 approved amendments to Chapter 73 of the city zoning ordinance that ban donation bins citywide, streamline the site‑plan approval process for conforming developments, and change how tattoo parlors are regulated in the city’s Character Overlay District.
City planning staff presented the package as a set of targeted updates intended to address recurring issues and speed approvals for developments that already meet code. "We’re taking the B out of bureaucracy," the presiding official said while summarizing the intent to remove an extra approval step for projects that comply with existing rules.
Staff recommended the changes after identifying several recurring problems in routine zoning verifications. The amendment would remove the city’s separate site‑plan approval requirement for developments that conform to existing zoning and design rules; developers would still require review, and any rezoning, variance or special permit requests would continue to return to the board. "This change is intended to speed up the development approval process for conforming developments," staff said.
The ordinance also replaces a broader unmanned‑retail‑structure section with a specific prohibition on donation bins, a response staff said was prompted by repeat instances of bins becoming de facto dumping sites. Staff clarified that existing sheet‑style metal signs and donation bins in place would be allowed to remain, but could not be re‑permitted once removed.
The most debated element was regulation of tattoo parlors. Under the adopted amendment, tattoo parlors would be permitted in higher‑intensity commercial zones (C‑2) and the board removed a requirement that certain overlay‑area tattoo parlors go through a special‑land‑use‑permit (SLUP) process. Supporters said the change provides clarity and avoids forcing a future board to decide on individual operator appearances or perceived suitability. One member urged caution: "I would rather it just be C‑2 out of downtown," a board member said, arguing that restricting tattoo parlors solely to C‑2 would better preserve the lower‑intensity downtown character.
After discussion, Alderman Dr. Carmichael moved to approve the amendment with the SLUP removal for the overlay; Alderman North seconded. The motion passed with four in favor and one opposed. The clerk recorded votes in the motion: Carmichael (yes), Prather (yes), North (yes), Haas (yes), Houston (no).
The ordinance references state annexation law where relevant for parcels brought into the city and reflects Planning & Zoning Commission recommendations on stipulations such as future land‑use designation when rezoning accompanies annexation.
The board indicated the changes are intended to reduce administrative burdens while giving the city clearer tools to address problems such as illegal dumping at donation bins and low‑quality sheet‑metal signage. Staff said code enforcement will continue to manage existing installations and that the city will provide guidance to affected business owners and property owners about the changes and grandfathering rules.
The board moved the item from public hearing to discussion and then to final approval; no public speakers opposed the amendment during the hearing. The ordinance takes effect as provided in the municipal code and staff will update the zoning maps and process guidance accordingly.
