GAINESVILLE — It's a decision that didn't get nearly as much attention as Obamacare and same-sex marriage, but it's a Supreme Court decision that's having an impact on local governments, including Hall County.
Commissioners heard from County Attorney Bill Blalock at a Monday work session that the Arizona case Reed vs. Town of Gilbert means Hall County should take a look at its sign ordinance to make sure it doesn't discriminate based on message content.
While the review of the ordinance is underway, Blalock said applications for any signage should be put on hold.
"This will cause a moratorium on issuing any permits for signs until we can get the amendment together, but we will move as fast as possible," said Blalock.
Hall County Commission Chairman Dick Mecum told fellow commissioners he didn't want the issue to linger any longer than the final commission meeting in September.
Any sign applications that have already been submitted would not be included in the moratorium, but after a Thursday vote, no sign permits will be issued until the county sign ordinance is revamped. County staff typically gets between 10-15 applications for signs in a month, according to planning officials.
Forsyth County Commissioners last week looked at imposing a moratorium on signage because of the same SCOTUS ruling.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/7/321456/hall-co-commission-to-consider-sign-moratorium