Tyler, TX — The Tyler City Council held a meeting Wednesday, Oct. 24 to hear a presentation by Heather Nick, Tyler City Planner, detailing the proposals on ordinance amendments, and variances, regarding zoning, signage and specific drive-through facilities.

These proposals are in anticipation for the upcoming election, if the legalization of beer and wine sales passes for off premise sale and consumption on November 6 in parts of Smith County.

Mark Whatley, city councilman of district five, says, "As a city government, we want to make sure we're prepared and we have the ordinances in place to deal with it from day one because if this law passes we are going to see things move real quick."

The main topics addressed at the meeting were regarding, where exactly potential businesses are allowed to be, in proximity of schools, and churches.

Whatley says the State of Texas has laws that "trump" city plans. He says their hands tied on what they can and can't do, "We will follow all the state laws regarding distances."

Another topic raised was the issue of signage. Specifically how many signs, how large, and where they are placed could be affected.

The city says they have a uniformity code, so they are discussing signage for all businesses, not just potential alcohol stores that may come into Tyler if the law is voted in.

Lastly, "beer barns" or drive-through packaged food and beverage facilities were discussed, the city of  Tyler wants to restrict these types of businesses from being too close to city limits. They want to place them in "M2" zones or more industrial areas, if the law is passed.

For more information you can visit the City of Tyler  City Council website:

http://www.cityoftyler.org/Government/Council/tabid/151/Default.aspx