By ELIZABETH SINCLAIR
DeFuniak Springs – Discussion of possible changes in municipal codes and ordinances began when DeFuniak Springs Planning Director Kelly Schultz brought the city council the results of a sign survey at the council’s Aug. 22 meeting.
More than 300 people responded to the survey sent out in utility bills. Because utilities are used by customers outside the city limits as well as within the city, the survey asked for responses that included owning property in the city and shopping or working in the city. Of the 330 respondents, 255 felt it is important to have a clear consistent sign ordinance. Of the types of signs that should be regulated, the majority felt damaged signs, flags and signs left by closed buildings should be banned. Very restorative regulations for temporary signs, off-premise signs and billboards received the most responses. Sandwich board signs appeared to be the least offensive. The general consensus would be to consider limiting billboards and avoiding clutter.
In April of 2015 the city council appointed a sign committee to evaluate and amend the previous sign codes. Its next meeting will be Sept. 1, 5:30 p.m. at city hall to consider a final solution.
Schultz also brought up for discussion “tiny homes.” She said, to date, no one has asked the city to allow one, but the possibility is impending due to the growing popularity of them nationwide. The square footage of these small houses, often on trailers, is making them viable dwellings for, not only single people, but also as a solution for low income and homeless residents. There are questions as to where, if at all, they are covered by zoning codes, and where would they be permitted. She cited the city’s mobile home restrictions in her text.
Dusty Beck presented the council with a code violation regarding a mobile home that had been placed at 17th Street and Orange Ave. He asked the council to send it to the city attorney to proceed with a lawsuit. The owner had been notified several times that the unoccupied trailer was in violation of city code and because it was not moved there legally, DMV was also involved. Utilities won’t be hooked up do to the violations. The council unanimously voted to send the matter to legal.
Robert McKnight, addressing the council from the podium, suggested the city’s economic grant could include a workshop on blight. He cited a house on Circle Drive as an example and the fact that there are poor citizens who need help keeping up residences. Additionally the city needs “more good housing.”