member Lee Morris recognized that the public's right to appeal is hollow without a right to know. Lee proposed a zoning ordinance amendment to make information about new building permits publicly available. Morris' amendment (which he said would always be known as the "Chick-fil-A ordinance") proposed a comprehensive notification procedure:

	All new building permits should be posted on the City's web site.
	The Clerk of Council should maintain a public file of new building permits.
	The recipient of a building permit must post a sign on the site at least 6 square feet in size, saying "Notice of Issuance of Building Permit" in letters at least 4 inches high. This sign must be posted within 24 hours and stay for 30 days.
	The BZA could extend the 30-day appeal period if the recipient had not fully complied with these procedures.

Morris' amendment was approved by the City Council in mid-January. Mayor Campbell let it go into effect without his signature.

As this is written, the city has not begun listing permits on its web site. Look for progress at www.atlantaga.gov/dept/dpdnc/buildings.htm.

For the many Atlantans who have had their right to appeal thwarted by applicants who sneak around until the 30-day appeal period has expired, this amendment is truly great news. Thanks Lee. Thanks City Council. Unfortunately, it comes too late for Midvale.