“We just tee up a bunch of things [for October 2027]”: Gainesville City Commission discusses post-SB180 code changes

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – During the September 24 General Policy Committee meeting, the Gainesville City Commission discussed regulations for distances between bars and institutions such as schools and churches and also directed staff to start working on a fence height ordinance that is currently prohibited by SB180 but could take effect after October 2027.

Distances between bars and certain institutionsThe first discussion item involved updating the City’s regulations on distances between bars and institutions such as schools and places of religious assembly. After an extensive discussion about which properties would potentially be affected, Commissioner Ed Book made a motion to authorize staff to engage the public and the City Plan Board regarding changing the required distance between schools and bars to 500 feet, to be consistent with state statutes; the motion also directed staff to update ordinances regarding bars to bring definitions and terminology up to date. The motion passed 6-0, with Commissioner James Ingle absent…

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