City adopts zoning changes

The Holly Springs Board of Aldermen voted to adopt proposed amendments to the zoning ordinances in part on Wednesday of last week.

The proposed amendments concerning churches, architectural standards in a B4 zone and adult entertainment, night clubs, bars and taverns, salvage yards and outside storage, were not adopted, allowing the city more time to study Section 11.2.3 of the proposed amendments.

Planning Commission executive director Felicia Autry recommended the adoption of items dealing with upper floor apartments, business signage and billboards, saying the planning commission needed them right away.

The board, mayor and Autry discussed ways to inform the public that specifications in the signage ordinances have changed.

Autry said it is the responsibility of the business owner to request a permit for changing or putting in a new sign. Owners will be given the details regarding signage when they come in for a permit, she said.

Mayor Andre’ DeBerry agreed it is the responsibility of the owner and contractor to request a permit before putting up a new business sign. Alderman Garrie Colhoun expressed concern that a business owner could buy the sign first, then find out later the sign did not meet the new signage amendment requirements.

The board discussed how the Historic Preservation Commission and Architectural Planning Advisory Committee would be coordinated with Planning Commission responsibilities.

Mayor Andre’ DeBerry said the Planning Commission deals with the responsibilities of zoning and permitting in a specific manner while he envisions the Preservation Commission and Architectural Advisory committee to deal with issues specific to preserving historic structures and advising regarding the overall appearance of downtown.

Alderman-At-Large Tim Liddy disagreed with the mayor that the Historic Preservation Commission has no authority that crosses over into matters handled by the Planning Commission.

Alderman Russell Johnson expressed discomfort with what he said was exclusion of historic black district areas into the Historic Preservation District. He said the district should reflect the historic preservation needs of both black and white areas that should be preserved.

The board discussed and later approved the firing of a cannon and muskets at Hill Crest Cemetery during the Pilgrimage using actors dressed as Union and Confederate soldiers. Alderman Garrie Colhoun and representatives with the Holly Springs Garden Club asked for permission. Only gunpowder is used in these events, Colhoun said.

Street department supervisor Jairus Leasure presented two applicants for positions in his department to the board.

John Collins, general manager of the Holly Springs Utility Department, made travel requests for two employees to attend training school, then introduced a proposal to reassume a service area of the Chickasaw Electric Utility District.

A customer interested in building a commercial retail center in the area of Highway 302 and Highway 72 prompted Chickasaw to contact HSUD, he said.

“We are trying to prepare for what may come in the future,” Collins said, explaining that more development in the area along the intersection is probable.

The board approved negotiation with Chickasaw Electric to reclaim the service area.

Upper floor apartments are permitted on appeal in the downtown business district and must have a minimum of 800 square feet of heated area.

Size and lighting. Business signs are limited to two square feet per lineal frontage of the associated building. A minimum of one-half of the sign may be attached to the building and one-half may be located on the street. Signs located on the street shall have a maximum height of eight feet and shall be mounted on a masonry base of a minimum height of 18 inches. Alternatively, landscaping may be provided at the sign a minimum of 18 inches in mature height. The maximum size of all combined signs shall be 125 square feet except that on additional square foot may be granted for each additional two square feet that the building is located from from the building setback.
Outdoor advertising signs (billboards) are prohibited in the City of Holly Springs.

Business owners/operators should contact Felicia Autry at City Hall for a comprehensive listing of all ordinances dealing with any construction or building ordinances or codes. Permitting is required by ordinance before any new construction or before any remodeling of a commercial or residential building.


Thursday, April 24, 2008
Community \| Obits \| Editorial & Columnists \| Society \| Sports \| Education \| Classified Ads \| Calendar of Events \| Features \| Newsbriefs \| Legals \| Archives \| Subscriptions \| Photo Gallery