South Fulton City Council Alcohol, Zoning, and Executive Session Meeting - February 24, 2026

The City of South Fulton City Council convened on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM for an Alcohol License and Zoning Public Hearings Meeting. The agenda featured public hearings on a Valero Food Mart alcohol license application and a significant proposed text amendment (TA26-001) to repeal and replace gas station regulations. Following a closed executive session for personnel, cybersecurity, legal, and real estate matters, the council ratified several appointments before adjourning at 7:01 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item A (NT Fuel & Food LLC DBA Valero Food Mart): The owner, Mr. Veera Taneeru, spoke in favor. There was no opposition from the public.
• Item B (TA26-001 - Gas Station Ordinance Repeal): Four residents spoke against the proposed ordinance changes:
  • Deyanna Respress (District 3): Argued the public notice contained a procedural defect (incorrect year 2025), rendering any subsequent action void under Georgia law (Tilly Properties v. Bartow County). She urged the council to re-advertise and maintain special use permits for all gas stations.
  • Penny Webster Lewis (District 2): Criticized the shifting legislative proposals as a 'bait and switch', noted the lack of pending applications to justify urgency, and stated her questions to council members had gone unanswered.
  • Barbara Baylor (District 1): A retired public health professional, she detailed the health risks of benzene from gas stations (a known carcinogen linked to leukemia and asthma), specifically requesting protections for children and vulnerable residents.
  • Loretta Williams: Questioned the logic of a full repeal versus an amendment to the existing ordinance, expressing concerns about protecting homeowners from environmental risks (well water contamination) and avoiding over-saturation of gas stations.

Discussion Items

• Valero Food Mart Alcohol License (District 1): Lieutenant Blaylock of the South Fulton Police Department presented the application, which reflects a change in ownership at an existing location. The facility meets all requirements, and staff recommended approval. Councilmember Rowell confirmed no recent police issues. The final vote is scheduled for the March 10, 2026 agenda.
• TA26-001 Repeal and Text Amendment: Director Reggie McClendon outlined the proposal to repeal Ordinance 2021-033 and move gas station regulations to Title 12. The text amendment would allow gas stations by right in C2, M1, and M2 zoning districts, unless the station falls within 7,920 feet of another station or 1,000 feet of a residence (requiring a special use permit). The Planning Commission recommended denial by a 5-1 vote.
• City Attorney Rebuttal and Council Discussion: City Attorney Sara Kelly argued the meeting was procedurally valid despite the date typo. She highlighted that the new ordinance adds enhanced environmental protections (independent impact studies, tree buffers, lighting plans, state/federal compliance) and prevents by-right development on saturated corridors like Old National. Councilmembers sought clarification on the citywide application of the distance requirements, confirming that Fulton Industrial Boulevard would no longer be exempt. No vote was taken on the substance of TA26-001 at this hearing.

Key Outcomes

• Valero Alcohol License: Public hearing concluded. Forwarded to the March 10, 2026 council agenda for final approval.
• Gas Station Ordinance (TA26-001): Public hearing held. The item remains pending for a future council vote.
• Executive Session Ratification: The council voted 6-1 to ratify four appointments made during executive session: the City Clerk (pay grade 20, step 10), Judge Michael Sheridan, the Interim City Attorney (six-month term), and the City Manager (with contract approval). Councilmember Williams-Brown was the sole dissenting vote.
• Discrepancy Note: The official minutes record Councilmember Pritchett as present at roll call; however, the raw transcript initially listed her as absent.