Soperton Passes New Ordinances to Address Public Safety, Cleanliness, and Mobile Food Vendors
The City of Soperton has enacted five new ordinances aimed at enhancing public safety, improving neighborhood appearance, and clarifying local mobile food vendor regulations. The ordinances were approved unanimously by a five–to–zero vote during the April City Council meeting and officially went into effect on May 1, 2025.
“These ordinances are part of our ongoing efforts to keep Soperton a clean, safe, and welcoming place to live,” said Mayor John Koon. “We reviewed our current ordinances and found they were vague and lacked enforcement power. Some complaints from residents go back as far as sixteen years. These new ordinances give us a clear process to follow.”
According to Mayor Koon, properties not being maintained affect economic development and the city’s ability to attract both residential and commercial development. “Our goals for the City of Soperton are to clean it up, light it up, and tech it up,” he said. “We are in the process of hiring a parttime code enforcement officer to issue citations and help hold residents accountable. We want Soperton to look great, and these ordinances will help enforce that — grass needs to be cut, no junk laying around, and neighborhoods should reflect community pride.”
Among the new measures is a Nuisance Ordinance, which gives the city tools to address issues like excessive noise, litter, and open storage of debris. These conditions are considered public nuisances and can disrupt the peace, comfort, and well-being of the city's residents.
The city also adopted an ordinance regulating junked and abandoned vehicles. This regulation outlines how such vehicles must be stored and provides procedures for their removal when they pose a safety hazard, attract vermin, or contribute to neighborhood blight.
A Disorderly House Ordinance was also passed to help law enforcement deal with properties that have frequent disturbances or recurring violations. The ordinance ensures that property owners receive fair and proper notification while allowing the city to address ongoing problem areas more effectively.
The city approved an engine braking ordinance to improve noise conditions along major highways and residential streets. Engine braking, often used by large trucks, can generate loud noise, especially in residential zones. The ordinance restricts engine braking in designated areas and proper signage will be installed to notify drivers.
Lastly, the city adopted a Mobile Food Vendor Ordinance to establish permitting, safety, sanitation, and zoning requirements for food truck operators. “We welcome mobile food vendors, but we need to know you’re here,” said Mayor Koon. “It’s been a pleasure having them, but regulation is necessary for tax, health, and safety reasons. We also want to be fair to our brick-and-mortar businesses.”
Mayor Koon expressed appreciation to City Attorney Paul Calhoun, City Clerk Samantha Richardson, and the City Council for their support in drafting and passing the ordinances. “I know there may be resistance, but the city must be proactive,” he said. “These ordinances will make our community better.”
Copies of the ordinances and permitting details are available at Soperton City Hall. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
