By Michael V. Hannigan
The Athens City Council Monday night approved the creation of a Temporary Use Permit to be included in the City zoning ordinance.
City staff brought the issue before the council because City Hall has received a request to open a seasonal business stand on State Highway 31. Before the council acted Monday night, there was no option in the City’s ordinance for such a stand.
“This gives us another tool in the zoning ordinance,” said City Manager Philip Rodriguez.
Rodriguez said the permit will help the City ensure that these type businesses have protected traffic circulation, off street parking, public conveniences, litter control and help eliminate public nuisances.
The City Council did request changing the permit so that it did not include livestock and to extend the time period for 120 days.
Not everyone was in favor of the permit as approved, however. Councilman Tres Winn voted against the creation of the new permit because it includes the sale of domestic animals.
Which means people who sell dogs and cats at the Walmart parking lot now have to get a permit.
“I don’t think you should have to pay a fee to sell three dogs on a Saturday morning,” he said. Otherwise, he said he was in favor of the zoning change.