The High Springs City Commission on Oct. 23 approved Ordinance 2025-06, a second-reading amendment to Chapter 10 (Alcoholic Beverages) of the city code that limits the 500-foot separation requirement involving churches to church-owned property and creates a process for churches to waive that restriction.

The measure, presented on second reading, changes the city’s 500-foot rule to apply only to property owned by a church rather than to a broader set of church-related interests, and it establishes a waiver pathway that, if granted, will be binding on the church and must include two witnesses and a notary.

City Attorney Danielle explained the waiver’s legal effect: it is “specific to the restaurant” and “does not run with the land” for purposes of a future restaurant owner. Danielle added that the waiver’s binding effect stems from contract privity between the parties and was drafted to avoid subsequent property-right disputes if congregational leadership changes.

Commission discussion focused on that binding effect. Commissioner Bloodsworth asked whether a new pastor could rescind a previously granted waiver; Danielle replied, “No. That’s what this says is that the church is bound.” Commissioners had no further changes between first and second reading.

A commissioner moved to approve Ordinance 2025-06 on second reading; the motion was seconded and approved in the roll-call vote recorded on the dais. The roll call recorded affirmative votes from Vice Mayor Miller, Commissioner Bloodsworth, Commissioner Howell and Commissioner Weiss. The motion carried and the ordinance will be codified as provided in the text presented to the commission.

The ordinance text on file also includes severability language and an effective date; the waiver form requires two witnesses and a notary as a procedural safeguard. The commission did not amend the ordinance language at second reading.

The city clerk will publish the ordinance and the new code section as required. Any future changes to how waivers operate would require further action by the commission.