Gilmer County commissioners passed the first reading of a short-term rental ordinance and a litter ordinance.
Both votes came during the board’s regular meeting May 9, following public hearings on the ordinances.
Beginning early last year, commissioners began working on an ordinance to govern short-term rentals. The version available at the meeting was marked version 16.
“We’re just trying to be fair to everyone,” said Gilmer County Chair Charlie Paris.
A licensing process, along with provisions governing the short-term rentals, a series of penalties beginning with warnings and moving to a misdemeanor charge for noncompliance, as well as a provision which allows neighbors to contact the short-term rental owners, were provided in the document.
Several short-term rental owners spoke at the meetings requesting clarifications and changes to the final document. Many were concerned about a misdemeanor charge being attached to noncompliance.
Paris told the gathering there were many opportunities for owners to correct any problems before a misdemeanor charge became an option.
Littering ordinance
Commissioners unanimously passed the first reading of a littering ordinance which will govern various types of trash being deposited in the county.
The main discussion at the meeting surrounded the ability of landowners to deposit trash or litter on their own private property.
Paris said it was determined that organic trash which attracts pests may not be in the interest of the public welfare and could be addressed under the ordinance.
Cryptomining
Commissioners followed the recommendation of the planning and zoning board and denied a rezoning request from Wayne Curt Ashley to rezone a portion of his property on Eller Road.
The rezoning would have allowed Ashley to create a cryptomining operation.
Following the denial, Paris, in response to public comment, said he would like to see a moratorium on cryptomining. During this period, Paris said he would like to revisit the ordinance.
When audience members requested a total ban, Paris said legislation being discussed in the state legislature would trump any ban. Therefore, he said he would prefer creating stringent rules governing the process, such as a requirement for 50 acres plus setbacks.
No action was taken on these proposals at the meeting.