Panel adopts social‑media notice, longer appeal window and longer signage in zoning‑notice bill

The committee advanced Senate Bill 2893 after sponsors said the measure would expand how municipalities notify the public of zoning changes and extend the time for appeals.

Sponsor Senator Fillingain told the committee the bill would require notice of zoning changes in the local newspaper and on the "top 3 social media platforms 30 days and 15 days prior to the public hearing," and that a copy of proposed changes must be available at the local government office or library and posted on the local government's website for 30 days. He said the bill limits the requirement to zoning changes and would change the current 10‑day appeal window to 20 days.

Senator Isom raised concerns about residents without social media and recommended stronger signage. Isom offered an amendment to require signage be placed for 30 days (the current minimum is 7 days); the sponsor supported the amendment. The committee adopted the signage amendment, then adopted the committee substitute (title sufficient to pass) and reported the bill out of committee. The committee then recessed.