Planning Commission recommends denial of rezoning for billboard near Hiram Drive and Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway

The Planning Commission voted to deny a rezoning request by Michael Whitman (Westside Pavilion Shopping Center owner) to rezone 0.819 acres from B‑1 to B‑2 within the City of Hiram to allow a 35‑foot billboard with requested variances reducing residential setback from 300 feet to 50 feet and front setback from the public right of way from 10 feet to 1 foot.

Whitman told the commission he planned a non‑digital (vinyl) billboard mounted near the southwest corner of the shopping center parking area and said the sign would be smaller than many existing billboards in the area and would not be visible from nearby residences. The applicant said he had coordinated the location to avoid existing trees and that the sign would meet the City of Hiram’s height rules subject to Hiram council approval and Georgia Department of Transportation permitting for outdoor advertising.

Several nearby property owners spoke in opposition and asked that the billboard not be placed near long‑held family property. Speakers cited concerns about visual character, property values, traffic distraction at the nearby intersection, and nighttime lighting. Rochelle Flomister and LaVoy Pete said the property has been in their family for more than 80 years and urged denial or relocation of any billboard to a more commercial corridor.

Commissioner Aston moved to deny the rezoning request; Commissioner Fitzgerald seconded. The motion passed 6–0–1. The item will be forwarded to the City of Hiram for its sign‑ordinance review and to the Board of Commissioners; staff reminded proponents that DOT and Hiram approvals are required for any billboard.