The electronic sign at Patriot Motors is once again plugged in and displaying a message for passersby to see.
The sign was shut down shortly after it was installed because it did not meet county requirements outlined in the sign ordinance in the county’s code.
Electronic sign reactivated
The only other electronic sign in the county - at Mount Olive Baptist Church - was also unplugged for not meeting the code.
After several appeals from both sign owners, software installations to try to meet the requirements and a workshop conducted by county commissioners, the sign ordinance was altered. Commissioners suggested several changes to the ordinance at their Nov. 8 meeting, including raising the maximum text size from six inches to 12 inches and reducing the text change time from 15 minutes to 2 minutes.
“The main changes have to do almost exclusively with electronic signs,” said building and zoning director David Allen. “The permitting process has been strengthened so applicants must demonstrate their sign can be in compliance with the ordinance. If not, they have to get approved by the variance board before they are approved for the sign.”
Patriot Motors’ owner Larry Dawson appeared before the board of appeals in December. The board approved a variance to allow the text size of the electronic sign to remain at 15 inches.
After several appeals from both sign owners, software installations to try to meet the requirements and a workshop conducted by county commissioners, the sign ordinance was altered. Commissioners suggested several changes to the ordinance at their Nov. 8 meeting, including raising the maximum text size from six inches to 12 inches and reducing the text change time from 15 minutes to 2 minutes.
“The main changes have to do almost exclusively with electronic signs,” said building and zoning director David Allen. “The permitting process has been strengthened so applicants must demonstrate their sign can be in compliance with the ordinance. If not, they have to get approved by the variance board before they are approved for the sign.”
Patriot Motors’ owner Larry Dawson appeared before the board of appeals in December. The board approved a variance to allow the text size of the electronic sign to remain at 15 inches.
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