Council explores sign/mural regulations

By Randy Grider
randy@casscountynow.com

The Atlanta City Council is looking at developing an ordinance that would regulate the size of advertising signs and/or murals allowed in the commercial district based upon the overall size of the building where the business is located.
The proposal would fall within the zoning ordinance, which the city has been looking at revamping.
“Sign regulations are contained within the zoning ordinance,” City Manager David Cockrell said. “We have been advertising changes for the zoning ordinance, little changes we need to make here and little changes we need to make there, but haven’t received a lot of comments, but one thing that did come up was about signs and murals.”
Cockrell said he has received a complaint or two about the number of large murals within the city.
“We are looking at potential restrictions based on the square footage on the buildings’ fascia that allowable for signs,” Cockrell said. “It’s certainly common to limit the amount of signage to keep the city looking orderly. What we have got is a situation where some are hiring free-hand  labor to paint murals. It’s not so much that you are restricting the content, but you’re restricting the amount of building’s available fascia for signage.”
Mayor Keith Crow said he has received complaints about murals also.
“I’ve been getting a lot of calls also,” Crow said. “Everywhere you look, there is a new mural. It’s just kind of getting out of control. I believe having some regulations will help.”
Cockrell added that the city has always been very liberal with property rights making sign regulations almost non-existent. 
In other business, the council:
* Approved a work order for $246,00 for rehabilitation of the Grandview ground storage tank.
* Approved the installation of an upgraded water line near the intersection of Reed and Wood streets. The work will be done by Barnwell Construction, which was the low bidder at $16,654.
*Approved a resolution authorizing the submission of an application to the Texas Department of Agriculture for a community development fund grant.
* Waived the city’s nepotism policy in regards to hiring a part-time police dispatcher.
* Heard the first reading of an ordinance to adjust prices for emergency medical service response, equipment and medication.
* Moved to next council meeting Jan. 3 at 6 p.m. due to the fact Jan. 2 is a holiday.