Single vote shoots down sign amendment

MT. PLEASANT — In regular session, Wednesday Dec. 28, Mt. Pleasant City Council an amendment for increasing home occupation signage size failed.

Following a motion and second to approve the third reading of the amendment, Mayor Steve Brimhall asked if there was any discussion.

“I’d like to make a statement,” Ward II Council Member Bob Griffith said. “I’m not sure why we are changing the ordinance.”

“We had one person talk about changing the ordinance and he was cited for violating the current ordinance,” he said. “I don’t think anyone else has come to the meeting for why we should change the ordinance.”

Tim King, owner of King’s PC asked the council to consider changing a city ordinance pertaining to allowable sizes of signs in residentially zoned areas.

“He [the resident wanting a larger sign] came to the ordinance committee meeting, but he hasn’t come to the full council to explain why the ordinance should be changed,” Griffith said.

According to court documents, the city of Mt. Pleasant issued King a Notice of Violation of City Code for two large banner signs attached to a house on the 600 block of North Lincoln Street.

The notice states that the signs violate the city code which reads, “No sign other than one (1) unlighted sign not over two (2) squared feet in area, attached flat against the dwelling and displaying only the occupant’s name and occupation, shall advertise the presence or conduct of the home occupation.”

King’s sign measured 2x16.

“It sticks out like a sore thumb,” Griffith said.

At a November City Council meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended an amendment to the ordinance, which would allow for signs up to four square feet.

Throughout every reading of the proposed amendment, no one made a recommendation in favor of the size used by King.

“Why are we changing the ordinance for one person who is making a complaint about it?” Griffith asked.

“One person brought it up,” Griffith said. “No one else has spoken about it.”

After discussion the council voted.

Jeff Batty, Terry McWilliams, and Steve Engberg voted for the amendment and Griffith voted against.

According to Mt. Pleasant City Council’s meeting procedures, “The Council will take action by motion, by ordinance, and by resolution. At least four ayes are needed for passage.”

With Griffith’s “no” vote, the amendment did not pass and the ordinance, which allows home occupation signs in residential areas up to 2 square feet, will remain the same.

Planning and Zoning’s recommendation is for a signage allotment to 4x4, and the resident that requested the increase to begin with asks for an increase to 2x16.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com