City Imposes Moratorium on New Demolitions until 2017

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The Dawsonville City Council voted unanimously Monday to place a moratorium on the permitting of any demolition of a city building until Jan. 14, 2017.

The moratorium does not impact demolition already permitted. City Attorney Dana Miles said, “Anything currently permitted can move forward. But no new permits will be issued.”

Council also discussed a vendor ordinance to designate a place for mobile vendors to set up shop and to facilitate parking. Mayor Grogan pointed out, “We have a place for our farmer’s market but we need some place for mobile vendors too. Other cities have mobile food trucks and we need a place for them.” Council agreed to consider an ordinance and place it on the agenda for the next regular meeting, Nov. 7.

There was also discussion about drafting a Historic Preservation Ordinance Amendment to protect historic homes from demolition. Miles indicated that the City of Gainesville has a good ordinance that could serve as a model.  “It should be part of a comprehensive policy. I would recommend you not take any action now, but give me time to draft an ordinance and put it on the agenda for Nov. 7.”

The mayor pointed out that there are many homes along Main Street that built in the 1930s and should be preserved.

Council also discussed adopting a tree ordinance. “This came up because of the demise of so many trees on Perimeter that have been subjected to clear cutting,” Grogan said. Items discussed during a work session can be voted on at the next regular meeting Nov. 7.