Friday, Februry 8, 2002
|
Friday, Februry 8, 2002 |
|
Sign ordinance gets major changes By JOHN
THOMPSON
Residents driving Coweta's highways and byways may soon notice far fewer signs, thanks to actions of the Coweta County Commission. The commission approved changes to the sign ordinance Tuesday morning that could drastically alter the look of the landscape. One of the more noticeable changes involves real estate signs that are put on the sides of highways directing potential customers to homes for sale. The ordinance still allows the signs, but they now must be spaced 500 feet apart. Another change is the prohibition of huge advertising gimmicks, such as inflatable Santa Clauses and gorillas. "My children will hate this, but that's the way it has to be," said Commissioner Leigh Schlumper. The change that caused the most debate concerns political signs. Previously, the square footage of political signs was 16 feet. The amended ordinance now limits the size to six square feet, which mirrors the city of Newnan's ordinance. Commissioner Vernon "Mutt" Hunter said he favored allowing candidates who would be running this year to fall under the old ordinance. Hunter said many candidates had signs from years past that were 16 feet, and he felt they should not be punished. But the commission passed the ordinance, despite Hunter's opposition to the political sign size. Schlumper also said several meetings were conducted about changes to the ordinance, but nobody showed up to express any opinions about the changes.
|
||