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City Attorney Doug Park humorously remarked during his presentation to the Dahlonega Planning Commission, “You know lawyers destroy everything”, which elicited laughter from those present at the City Hall meeting room. The main topic for the session centered on a proposed regulation, a definitive categorization of murals as wall signs in the downtown city, which essentially prohibits their installation. Concurrently, the new rule would impose mandatory permits for business owners to display inflatable holiday decorations in the downtown area.
Regulations of Murals and Inflatable Decorations
Commissioner Noah Steinberg expressed his reluctance on the proposed regulations, stating his belief that characterizing murals and inflatable decorations as signs is somewhat blurring lines. However, Park assured the assembly that the proposition is merely a starting point and he is prepared for adjustments along the way to ensure it is beneficial to all involved.
Last month, Dahlonega City Council unanimously agreed to extend a hold on wall signs painted on exterior building walls or using alternatives like vinyl materials instead of paint. Though primarily targeting businesses, the regulation is extended to private homes, too. Mayor JoAnne Taylor confirmed this through a follow-up email after the meeting.
Amendments proposed to the current regulation have been made by consultant and attorney Dana Maine, the original author of the existing sign ordinance herself. To date, she has billed the City $540 for her contribution to this new phase of regulations.
Trigger for the Law Amendment
Parks suggested, remarkably, that the initiation of this process was spurred by a massive vinyl wrap sign of Mr. Clean, prominently visible at the new car wash in Morrison Moore Parkway. Parks encouraged members present at the meeting to gather for a laid-back conversation in an informal setting as they engaged in the discussion.
Art student Abigail Brown from the University of North Georgia and Henry Ostaszewski, a local businessman, were among those present at the table. They expressed disapproval of the mural restrictions, stressing how wall art adds value to the city and applauds community effort.
The proposed rule will limit wall sign size to less than 5% of the building wall’s total area, a significant decrease from the present 10% estimation. Ostaszewski pinpointed that this rule could have helped regulate Mr. Clean’s size without any additional zoning adjustments.
Inflatable Decoration Dilemma
An issue arose last Christmas regarding the classification of holiday-themed inflatables as signs and technically illegal in the city. Parks assured that the new amendments will resolve the confusion. However, a permit will be mandatory for their display in the commercial district, with height and location restrictions and a time limit of 30 days.
Commissioner Michael Feagin expressed his concerns regarding the complicated permit process right during the holiday season.
Progress and Implementation
The conversation eventually paused on the agreement to seek more inputs from others, including Ostaszewski and Brown, and redefine regulations to appease the community. The major contributor in creating the initial ordinances years back was the community effort, according to Parks, to which Ostaszewski affirmatively responded.
Feagin shared his wish for increased community engagement in such issues. The Dahlonega Planning Commission plans to meet again on Tuesday, April 2nd; any new ordinances will require the approval of the Dahlonega City Council.
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