Zoning fines upped, liquor election called

Residents of Canton in violation of zoning ordinances will now get hit with bigger fines.

At the Canton City Council meeting July 19, the council amended the 1985 zoning ordinance to allow for a penalty up to $2,000 per day per violation.

The previous penalty was $200 per day per violation.

According to City Attorney David Ritter, the update simply brings the city more in line with state regulations.

In other business, the council accepted petitions and called for an election to legalize the sale of beer and wine and serve liquor by the drink within the city limits.

The petitions were started May 3, returned with signatures May 26, City Secretary Debra Johnson said.

According to state law, to be valid the number of signatures needed on the petition must have 35 percent of the number of people who voted in the last gubernatorial election. In Canton’s case, that would be 244 verified names, Johnson said.

The petition for the sale of beer and wine had 264 names and the petition for the sale of mixed drinks, 273.

The election will be Nov. 8.

The Van Zandt County Elections Office will conduct the election with early voting at the Tyler Street Canton City Hall, 290 E. Tyler St. Early voting begins Oct. 24 and continues through Nov. 4.

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