The unregulated use of temporary structures like tents and canopies "may endanger the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Fayetteville," according to the preamble to a proposed new set of regulations.

But members of City Council said they want staff to refine the proposal a little more before they are ready to vote on the ordinance.

"I think this needs a little more work," said city chief planner Jahnee Prince during a recent called City Council meeting.

Council conducted first reading of the ordinance during the called meeting so it could vote on the ordinance during a regular meeting, but members tabled the matter for 60 days to give the Main Street Committee time to make suggestions.

Councilman Al Hovey-King, who is the chairman of that committee, said the proposed ordinance requires that tents and awnings be 500 feet apart, which would severely hamper events like Fayetteville's annual Courthouse Art Show. Such shows and fairs rely heavily on tents, he said.

"I think we need to look at what is the focus of our efforts," Hovey-King said, suggesting that the ordinance be changed so that it applies only to tents over a given size. Staff is reviewing them matter.

Three other proposed ordinance changes have been approved:

A new conflict of interest ordinance. Following complaints of an alleged conflict of interest on the Planning Commission, the new law clarifies the city's position.

Members of the City Council and Planning Commission will not be allowed to vote on zoning requests if they or anyone in their families has any financial interest in the property.

A zoning applicant recently complained that a Planning Commission member had a conflict because he lived in an adjoining neighborhood, but that situation would not have been a conflict either under previos laws or the new ordinance.

A renewed franchise agreement with Atlanta Gas Light Company.