By DAVE HAMRICK
dhamrick@TheCitizenNews.com

Does flying American flags over a business constitute patriotism or advertising?

That's one point the Fayetteville Planning Commission is pondering as it considers a new, more restrictive sign ordinance.

The group will discuss the changes Tuesday during its regular monthly business meeting, 7 p.m. at City Hall.

City planner Todd Miller has been rewriting the city's law governing signs after conducting a drive-around inspection that revealed 70 business violating current ordinances.

He presented the changes to the commission last week during its work session, including a slide show of many of the offending businesses, as well as some not violating current laws that would be in violation of the proposed changes.

The revised ordinance doesn't address use of the American flag, but Planning Commission members noticed one business with four flags flying atop its building, prompting a discussion on the subject.

Use of the Stars and Stripes in advertising is prohibited by federal law, said commission member Segis “Al” Lipscomb.

But defining the difference between advertising and patriotism in a city sign ordinance may be the hard part of writing such a provision, commission member Kevin Bittinger suggested.

“I don't care how we do it as long as we put a stop to it,” Lipscomb said.

The commission may vote on the new ordinance in its meeting Tuesday, or it may delay action until next month to add provisions concerning the flag. The group's recommendation will go to City Council for final action.

Among other changes being recommended:

” Sticker type window signs would be limited to 25 percent of the total window area.

” Businesses with double frontage would be allowed an additional sign.

” Temporary signs for special events would be limited to 50 square feet and restricted to 30 days a year for each business.

” A new typeset and color guide is included for the Main Street District.

” Any lettering on a wall would be included in the calculation of maximum sign size.

” A 36-inch separation would define two separate signs, as opposed to one sign in two parts.