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County staff propose relaxed monument sign construction rules; board to consider public hearing
Summary
Planning staff proposed revisions to the county’s monument sign regulations to allow partial masonry bases, gaps or frames around copy areas, and one pier designs; commissioners asked for clarity on structural attachment and agreed to schedule a public hearing on the ordinance change.
Planning staff presented draft changes to Cherokee County’s monument sign rules on Oct. 21 that would reduce masonry requirements and permit framed or “gap” designs for the sign copy area while keeping masonry piers or bases compatible with the primary building.
Ms. Stallings, the county planning and zoning director, explained the current rule effectively required masonry all the way around the sign and had produced costly, inflexible signs and maintenance problems. Under the draft, a monument sign may have one pier (rather than matching piers on both sides), a frame or a controlled air gap around the copy area, and the base may be constructed of brick, stone or stucco compatible with the primary building. Stallings said the proposal limits the permitted gap to a maximum of 6 inches so the design cannot be a narrow board spanning piers.
Commissioners asked whether the draft should require structural attachments or specific bolting details to prevent free‑hanging signs from becoming wind hazards. One commissioner said the building department typically reviews foundations and that design details could be enforced there, but several commissioners asked staff to tighten the language. After discussion the board agreed to plan a public hearing on an ordinance amendment (likely the Nov. 18 meeting) and staff said they would draft clarifying language about structural attachment and the 6‑inch gap.
Why it matters: The change is intended to reduce costs and maintenance problems from the current masonry‑heavy standard while retaining visual compatibility with nearby buildings. Planning staff said the earliest public hearing slot would likely be the second meeting in November.
