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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

The Clanton City Council unanimously approved two changes to the Clanton Zoning Ordinance during a Sept. 27 voting session.

The first prohibited self-storage facilities on Alabama State Routes 22 and 145 as well as U.S. Highway 31 and Lake Mitchell Road within the Clanton city limits. Existing facilities on these roads would be grandfathered in. Self-storage facilities will be allowed in the M-1 Manufacturing District.

“This exception shall not apply to self-storage facilities that cease operation for more than 30 calendar days or do not renew the business license subsequent to 2021,” according to the ordinance.

The second change to the zoning ordinance added restrictions on metal buildings located outside of the Manufacturing zoning districts and near Alabama State Routes 22 and 145 as well as U.S. Highway 31 and Lake Mitchell Road.

Proposed metal buildings near these roads will be required to have a masonry façade covering the entire building. The building plan will also have to be approved by the Clanton Planning Commission.

A rezoning request was also approved from R-2 Single/Two Family Residential District to B-3 Neighborhood Business District for 1401 Fourth Avenue N.

Alan Childress presented a request from the economic development committee to apply for the formation of a Clanton Industrial Development Board. He has served on the committee and said members have determined that being an IDB would allow the group to be more helpful to the city.

Council member Mary Mell Smith said she thought the city had formed on in the past.

Council member Billy Singleton explained that it had been done incorrectly several years ago.

“It was never recorded, so to make sure that we do this correctly, we have to go through the process again and make sure it gets recorded with the Probate Judge,” Singleton said.

Establishing the IDB and naming residents to serve on the board were both unanimously approved.

Ordinances to allow police officers with 20 years of service to keep their badge and pistol as well as one listing all of the properties that the city would be declaring surplus and selling were read for the first time. A second reading and a vote is expected at a future voting session.

Other items approved unanimously during the meeting included:

• Appointing a new public defender for city court.
• Declaring some computer equipment as surplus.
• A retail beer and wine license for Clanton Encore Mobil.
• Entering an agreement with Integrated Behavioral Health Inc. to provide employees with counseling and life coaching services.
• An employee handbook.