Forsyth County commissioners on Thursday approved an ordinance making synthetic marijuana not already regulated by state law illegal in the county.

A first violation will result in a $1,000 fine and up to 60 days in jail.

Also at their meeting Thursday, Forsyth County commissioners:

• Added an exception to a zoning condition that will allow a Race Trac to operate 24 hours at the planned site of Ronald Regan Boulevard and Peachtree Parkway.

• Overturned a December 2007 zoning board of appeals decision that denied an easement width variance for Larry Pierce on his Lawson Drive property.

A lawsuit caused the commission to table the matter in 2008. With that case concluded, the commission revisited the issue and granted a 10-foot easement.

County code requires a 20-foot easement, so the commission approved a variance to allow the smaller easement in a 3-1 vote, with Chairman Jim Boff against it.

Neighbors opposed granting the variance, which they said could allow a home to be built on a small lot that wouldn’t match the area standards.

The easement could allow the .4-acre lot to become a buildable lot if other conditions are met.

The commission requested an update on that matter at its Aug. 28 work session.

• Split a vote on ratifying a resolution to establish a secondary metals recycler registration fee.

The $200 annual fee would require such recyclers to register in an effort to prevent metal thefts. The state has approved the law for sheriffs to institute.

Sheriff Ted Paxton requested that the board ratify the resolution, which resulted in a 2-2 vote with Commissioners Patrick Bell and Todd Levent opposed.

• Amended zoning conditions and approved a variance for Lennar Georgia to build town homes, rather than condominiums, on a site off Research Court and Peachtree Parkway in south Forsyth. The site plan includes 120 units.

• Granted a change in zoning conditions for the planned Post Brook Farms subdivision, at Post and Bentley roads, to change the requirements for the exterior of the homes.

A lengthy condition is aimed at allowing craftsman style homes rather than mandating 100 percent brick or stone.

• Gave permission to proceed with bids and accept a 30-month proposed construction schedule for projects to build a new courthouse and expand the jail, which voters approved as part of a sales tax referendum in November.

Note: All votes were 4-0, with Commissioner Brian Tam absent, unless otherwise noted.