CBS Atlanta 46Business owner fights sign ordinance

Larry Graves has operated the Olde Courthouse Tavern, a restaurant in Fayetteville, for nearly a year and said he's never had any issues with the city until he hung two flags out front.

Those flags landed Graves a warning from the city for violating their current sign ordinance.

"Since I have hung the flags here I have had 15 to 20 people tell me, 'I didn't know you were there until I saw those flags flying,'" Graves said.

The flags were placed in front of the entrance a few weeks ago he said. But almost immediately not only customers, but the city, took notice.

"We want to make sure our ordinances are in line with the needs of other restaurants," said Brian Wismer, the Director of Planning and Economic Development for Fayetteville.

"The ordinance is very detailed, as it relates to the types of signs, the number of signs permitted, this is the downtown historic district. So, there are a little more stringent details.   We want to keep a certain aesthetic and quality to the downtown," Wismer said.

Graves said he is pleased with the city's willingness to hear his concerns and hopefully change the current laws.

"We are losing tax revenues everyday because of all these vacant buildings here in Fayette County and Fayetteville," Graves said. "All of this would change if the restrictions were loosened up and until the city council and powers to be loosen up on some the regulations, and make it more attractive for businesses to come here, it's going to be  a little bit of the problem."

City leaders have an annual retreat March 9. That is when Wismer said they will discuss the issue. Graves would also like the city to consider loosening their regulations on alcohol consumption. 

"I would like to be more competitive with other cities, and would like to see the time to pour extended to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and midnight during the week," Graves said.

That is also something the city said they will consider.

"We will take a look at that and see what other consequences that would have on the community and resources we have available," Wismer said.

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