Sometimes murals are obvious adverts, but sometimes they can be subtle and quite artistic;
“The purpose of the sign code is so people can advertise their business without overdoing it,” Jeff Schmitt of City planning and zoning said.
In other words, Jeff Schmitt with City Planning and Zoning says a business can have a sign, or it can have a mural, but it can’t have a mural as a sign.
“So is it a mural or is it a sign? Art is art, but a sign is what they put in the mural,” Schmitt said.
While I understand the city’s argument on this, I think it is okay for a mural to be an advertisement for a business as long as it doesn’t use words or lettering and artistic in nature, such as this mural is.
Gaddis, who admits she didn’t check City code, spent a lot of money having the mural painted. Now she’s being told it’ll have to be painted over or she’ll face multiple fines until she complies.
Yeah, Big Daddy doesn’t like it when you don’t ask for permission. I think it is time to get more lax on the mural laws.
It’s an unwritten rule but one must peel off fifties when seeking sign approval. It only takes one if you go there when all but one is at lunch.
Multiple fines is double jeopardy such that the original violation becomes a zoning exception. Never pay a fine. It’s an admission of guilt. If the city takes you to small claims, tell judge you want to be heard in circuit court. City code doesn’t provide for circuit court. Unconstitutional, case dismissed.
Above also works for not clearing snow citations.
I’m hearing it has been resolved. She can keep the images but no text.
One more thing. Do not go for a Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing. There’s a fee to be heard (unconstitutional). It’s not required and nobody gets approved.
Im retired now and will be going door to door along Minnesota, 41st, & Phillips with a flyer. Later will be a list of lawyers willing to fight the city and recommendations for the next mayor/councilors who respect and defend the constitution.
A business owner who “spends lots of money having the mural painted” without checking city code first.
Sounds like a sound business decision……..!
I would agree. It would be like tearing out an exterior wall of my house, then going to get a building permit after I finished.
Lol, can we do the same with those painted plow blades now?
I’d do the same as her. Free publicity. Makes city officials look like baby killers.
Permits are about revenue, not practicality.
Many do inside home improvements without one. Why when city codes can’t be legally enforced? Nobody respects a dog with no bite. It’s fun taunting big country cluck code enforcers.
What’s disturbing is 2 years ago the city promoted a mural project in the Whittier neighborhood. Isn’t ‘Jesus’ on snowplows a mural and advertising? Planning and Zoning has become known for selective enforcement.
I was attacked by a code enforcer at a public hearing in the old council chambers. He was not a part of the hearing. I tried 4 times to make a formal complaint at city personnel. It’s like petitions, there’s no form. I have a complete record and recording I’ll present the first time a city employee assaults a citizen.