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Council adopts smoke‑free and updated noise ordinances, approves moratorium on certain detention/data‑center uses
Summary
The council adopted a smoke‑free ordinance with an exception aligning interior cigar/restaurant/bar allowances to state law, adopted a decibel‑based noise code with measurable enforcement, and approved a moratorium related to detention/data‑center siting language to allow policy review.
During the May 7 workshop the McDonough City Council adopted several regulatory measures and a short moratorium to allow staff and council time to refine policy language.
City attorney recommended two technical amendments to a proposed smoke‑free air ordinance: (1) add the state‑law exception that permits smoking in the interior of a restaurant or bar when minors are not present (consistent with the Georgia Smoke‑Free Air Act), and (2) tighten the definition of a cigar bar to a specific revenue threshold so the exemption applies only where a substantial portion of business is cigar/humidor sales. Council accepted both amendments and adopted the ordinance (motion passed, 6 in favor).
The council also adopted an updated noise ordinance that moves enforcement from a subjective “loud/unusual” standard to tabled decibel thresholds by land‑use category and shortens the nighttime standard in some areas to 8 p.m. from the previous 10 p.m. Staff said police will use decibel readers to respond to complaints; council passed the ordinance (vote reported as 5 in favor, 1 abstention).
Finally, council adopted a moratorium that narrows or pauses specific new permitting actions related to data centers and ICE/detention‑style uses while staff evaluates regulatory language and impacts. The moratorium passed 6–0 and is intended to provide time for staff review and possible code updates.
City staff said the changes reflect community feedback and business engagement and that implementation materials and enforcement guidance will be developed with the police, planning, and permitting departments.
