Cobb County zoning board holds decision on Lost Mountain gymwindow graphics to study Dallas Highway guidelines

The Cobb County Board of Zoning Appeals on Nov. 12 placed on hold a request from Byrne Boot Camp at the Shops at Lost Mountain to keep opaque blue window graphics covering most storefront glass, asking staff to study Dallas Highway design guidelines and survey similar properties along the corridor.

Attorney Britney Schmidt of Cawthorn Owen and Sanders, representing the gym, told the board the graphics were installed to "provide privacy and safety for the gym's members, most of whom are female, and their children who attend childcare at the gym while they exercise." She said the tenant obtained landlord approval before learning the coverings conflicted with county guidelines.

Zoning staff explained the unified zoning code limits window coverage to 50% of total glass but noted that the Dallas Highway design guidelines — adopted by the board but not codified into county ordinance — call for ground-floor storefront glass to remain clear to allow views into business interiors. Staff described the guidelines as policy rather than codified law but said the guidelines explicitly discourage window displays covering storefront glass.

Commissioner Beloyne and other board members suggested staff gather photographs and examples of storefront treatments along Dallas Highway, clarify whether vinyl adhesive coverings are treated as signage under the guidelines, and research alternatives such as interior blinds or detached treatments. Beloyne moved to hold the case for 30 days for further work-session review; the motion carried 5-0.

The board did not decide whether the gym's graphics constitute a sign under county rules. The hold directs staff to return with a recommendation and examples so the board can rule at its next hearing or at a work session.