Complete disgust doesn’t begin to explain how I feel about this proposal. It seems that the Board of Commissioners feels it is their duty to “protect private property values” enough so to mention it not once, but twice in the statement of purpose. I also find it interesting that they say they are trying to “protect the public” from, “Individuals right to convey their message through sign.” This statement alone clearly makes this ordinance unconstitutional in my mind, because they clearly stated they are removing a persons constitutional right for the good of the public.
First let me say, I am not going to raise to many issues with the commercial aspects of the sign ordinance, I see their restrictions as more of a “sign tax” than limiting freedom of expression. I also believe the permit process if applied fairly everyone can come out happy with a win/win for the County and Commerce.
Now it’s time to dig into the residential ordinance, it is fairly simple, you get 3 ground signs, no lighted signs(directly or indirectly).
So that being said, I have a home alarm system installed at my residence, I have a sign with my address and the name of the alarm company, placed by my front porch indirectly lighted by my front porch lights at night. This is clearly illegal according to the new ordinance, but I’m guessing it would never be enforced. But I digress, if you move forward from my porch and to the right about 3 feet, I have a Chicago Bears Banner “sign” in my garden, strike two, this might be offensive to my neighbors. But when I continued around my house I came into direct violation, because the next sign isn’t a ground sign, instead it is an, “Albany Fence Co.” sign affixed to my chain link fence. I was also reading through back and forth through the ordinance, and I’ll be damned if my 2 sets of house numbers aren’t in direct violation of the ordinance as they are both wall signs and neither of them are exempted, which I am guessing puts this ordinance in direct conflict with another county ordinance I am too lazy to look up.
What really irks me is that our County Officials PAID someone to write this piece of garbage that still violates State Law:
OCGA 16-7-58(a)(2) states
It shall be unlawful for any person to place posters, signs, or advertisements: On any private property unless the owner thereof or the occupier as authorized by such owner has given permission to place such posters, signs, or advertisements on such property; and, provided, further that no municipal, county, or consolidated government may restrict by regulation or other means the length of time a political campaign sign may be displayed or the number of signs which may be displayed on private property for which permission has been granted
I am at a loss for words for why the County Board would even consider approving such a policy. In fact if they did I would make it a point to wear the planning and zoning office out reporting all of these illegal signs! I mean considering they can fine someone up to $1000 and put them in jail for 60 days, I’d rather the county fine these lawbreaking no good citizens so that maybe they can lower my taxes.
Citizens of Lee County we need to make a stand, tell the county, that they don’t need to protect reasonable citizen’s from themselves.
