String lighting
Jan. 9. By Dave Vieser. Outdoor string lighting, currently banned by Cornelius regulations, got an A-OK at the Planning Board meeting yesterday. The recommended change will be sent to the Town Board for a likely February vote.
“The current Town Code prohibits any illuminated tubing or strings of lights including, but not limited to those outlining property lines, doors, windows and the edges of walls except for holidays,” said Planning Director Rox Burhans. “However, we have not enforced the regulations unless the violations have grown into a nuisance situation.”
In reality more and more businesses are choosing to use outdoor string lights year-around, Burhans said.
“Existing outdoor lighting can be found in the growing arts district area and is commonly used to highlight outdoor dining and entertainment areas,” Burhans said.
No opposition was voiced at the Jan. 8 session, and the measure to permit neutral color light strings was sent to the Town Board with the Planning Board’s unanimous recommendation for approval.
What about in residential backyards annoying neighbors 24/7?
It’s frustrating and hypocritical for small business owners to navigate regulations on outdoor string lighting, signage, banners, and flags.
The need for a distinctive environment & messaging to attract customers is crucial, and outdoor string lights, banners, and flags have become a popular choice year-round.
The article rightly points out the inconsistency in enforcing regulations, especially when it comes to larger entities like the Can Center using flashing lights for signs.
The sign ordinance enforcement seems arbitrary, creating challenges for small businesses. The statement that regulations are not enforced ‘unless’ they become a nuisance only adds to the confusion. What might be considered a nuisance to one is a livelihood for another. The town should strive for fairness and clarity in its “minimal” regulations to support the vibrant small business community.