Published: October 12, 2007 01:50 pm            

Council seeks to ban auto tent sales

Vanessa Fultz

vanessa.fultz@gaflnews.com



The city wants to put a stop to car tent sales. The city council had its first reading Tuesday on an ordinance to stop the practice with hopes it will go into affect in November.

City Clerk Jimmy McCullers said the council made the decision in order to protect local car dealers who go in business legitimately and to shield buyers from scams.

"Car dealers obtain an occupation license and pay property taxes," McCullers said.

"There were a lot of unscrupulous dealings going on" involving tent sales, he added.

The ordinance would change the zoning regulations in Commercial Intensive (CI) zones to prohibit tent sales. Currently, CI zones that allow the practice in the city, are located on 129 north near Winderweedle Street and on both sides of the road near Lowe's.

The new law, however, would also restrict local car dealers from setting up tent sales. Those selling other items, such as plants or animals, may still obtain a peddler's license to do so.

The council will have the next reading on the ordinance at its Nov. 13 meeting.

County Commission Chairman Randy Hatch said the county is also looking at drafting an ordinance.

"We don't want tent salesmen to just hop down the road," Hatch said.

"We're concerned with those who sale a lemon and run," he added. "We don't want the people of Suwannee County to be scammed."

He said he wants to make sure salespersons can be reached for contact after a sale.

        

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