We listened to the public, reviewed the concerns that were raised, and made changes to the proposed ordinance.
The City of Vidalia has amended the proposed Overlay District Framework Ordinance based on public feedback and will provide additional time for residents to review the revisions before any further action is considered.
To allow the public adequate time to review and digest the amended proposal, the Planning & Zoning meeting originally scheduled for August 4 has been postponed to Tuesday, September 1. Additionally, the City will hold a second public hearing on Tuesday, August 18, at 5:30 p.m. This meeting will provide another opportunity for residents and property owners to review the amended ordinance, ask questions, share feedback, and participate in an open discussion before the Planning & Zoning considers the proposal on September 1.
The list of revisions to the proposed ordinance is posted below.
The amended proposed ordinance is available for download by clicking the link below.
The original draft did not create an HOA or private covenant system. The revised draft now states that expressly.
No separate review board, commission, private association, private covenant, or private enforcement authority is created or authorized by the ordinance.
The City is not creating an HOA, requiring property owners to join an HOA, or giving a private organization authority over anyone’s property.
The original draft included a detailed list of possible standards, including references to design, demolition, exterior alterations, streetscape features, accessory structures, exterior maintenance, and related items.
The revised draft removes that list.
Any future ordinance proposing a specific overlay district would have to identify the actual boundaries of the proposed district and the specific supplemental zoning standards being considered for that area.
Any supplemental standards would also have to be the types of zoning standards authorized by the City’s longstanding Zoning Ordinance. This would not include matters such as regulating the color someone may paint their property.
The original draft included a special petition process requiring signatures from owners of at least 10% of the parcels within a proposed overlay area before an overlay district could be formally considered.
The revised draft removes that separate petition procedure and instead relies on the City’s existing zoning amendment process.
The original draft was intended to operate through the City’s existing permitting and zoning review system.
The revised draft states that more directly: no separate overlay permit is created, and the ordinance does not require a new permit or approval for work that does not otherwise require one under the City’s Code of Ordinances or Zoning Ordinance.
The revised draft is shorter and more direct.
It focuses on establishing the basic process for considering an overlay district in the future rather than including a lengthy list of possible standards within the framework ordinance itself.
The types of zoning standards that may be enforced are already limited by existing law and the City’s current Zoning Ordinance.
The revised draft confirms that any future overlay district must be proposed, reviewed, adopted, amended, or repealed in the same manner as other zoning ordinance amendments.
The revised draft also expressly references the required public notice and public hearing process.
No future overlay district could be established without a separate proposal, Planning Commission review, public notice, public hearings, open meetings, and action by the Vidalia City Council.
The revised draft confirms that the underlying zoning district would remain in effect following the adoption of any future overlay district.
It also expressly states that the ordinance does not affect a property owner’s right to continue a lawful nonconforming use to the extent otherwise allowed under the City’s Zoning Ordinance.
The term nonconforming use is similar to what is commonly referred to as being “grandfathered.”
The original draft included a longer definition referring to neighborhood character, relationships to downtown or civic institutions, historic or architectural features, walkability, lot arrangement, building scale, and similar concepts.
The revised draft uses a simpler definition:
An overlay district is a geographically defined area established by ordinance and shown on the official zoning map, where supplemental zoning standards apply in addition to the underlying zoning district.
This would provide the same type of notice regarding applicable standards that currently exists for the City’s established zoning districts.
In summary, the revised ordinance is a framework only.
The City of Vidalia is proud to serve its residents with dedication, transparency, and Southern hospitality. We're here to help you live, work, and thrive in the Sweet Onion City.
Copyright 2026 The City of Vidalia | All Rights Reserved