One of Coweta County's most historic towns will soon have a historic preservation ordinance.

Senoia's City Council is expected to give the final nod May 13 to an ordinance that will protect many of the city's historic buildings and businesses. The council approved the first reading of the ordinance Monday night after city attorney Kemp Wright briefed the council on the ordinance.

Several years ago, some council members attempted to pass an ordinance, but the proposal failed. Since the town had not passed an ordinance before March 31, 1980, Wright explained the city would have to use the state's ordinance as the city's ordinance.

After a historic preservation commission is established, Wright said, the commission could write a manual governing the types of preservation activities the city wants.

But for now, the city needed to decide the number of people on the commission and how long the terms of office would be.

The council decided on a three- to five-member board with two-year terms and is actively seeking volunteers for the positions. Wright said it might be difficult to find members quickly since the state law says the commissioners have to live within the historic district and have a demonstrated interest in history or architecture.