The Dallas City Council last week voted to place a moratorium on some types of new businesses in the city until it can approve operating standards for them.

Mayor Boyd Austin asked for the moratorium at the Jan. 7 council meeting to halt the issuance of new permits for indoor and outdoor flea markets, thrift stores, storage buildings and warehouses until the council’s April meeting.

“We need to make sure we have regulations and ordinances in place,” Austin said.

There is no set standard in the city’s code for these types of businesses, and the council is looking to create one.

The resolution was passed, on a motion by Ward One Councilman Christopher Carter.

Carter said the council is putting the moratorium in place to allow the city time to study how these types of businesses affect the city and its residents.

“It can negatively affect the city in many ways,” he said.

In other action, the council voted for a $150 qualification fee for residents wishing to run for city council in this year’s election.

They also extended a contract with Waste Industries for trash pickup for another year, under the current contract.

Council also approved the “Downtown Merchants Annual Yard Sale” for May 4, with a rain date of May 11, and the “Georgia Classic Rides Annual Car Show” for the last Saturday of each month, March through September.

Council members also increased the minimum speed within the city limits from 15 to 25 miles per hour.