Gastonia · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Gastonia public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Historic District Window and Fenestration Standards
The commission debated whether to allow after-the-fact window replacements featuring grilles between the glass at 615 S. Chester St. Because the home is non-contributing, commissioners used their discretion to approve the non-compliant windows.
Unified Development Ordinance Amendment for Vape and Tobacco Shops
The city is introducing new zoning rules to tightly regulate where tobacco, vape, and hemp shops can open. These shops will be banned from residential and downtown areas and forced to maintain large distance buffers from schools, parks, and homes.
Commercial Maintenance Code Enforcement
The city adopted new rules to stop landlords from leaving vacant downtown buildings boarded up indefinitely. Properties will face a 90-day board-up limit and a strict 30-day notice process to fix safety and aesthetic issues.