Jim Fair
EFS has posted signage across its plate glass windown on Trade Street that depicts well conditioned men and women in fitness attire. The City of Greer has received one complaint and has notified EFS it may be in violation of the city signage ordinance.
That’s not so, objects EFS owner Matt Porter.
The signage across the entire plate glass window shows fit men and women in attire that that is routinely found in fitness centers. However the problem with the signage posted facing Trade Street is that it doesn’t address city planning and zoning code in keeping with the historic integrity of the city, Pace said.
Pace said in GreerToday he has had one inquiry into EFS meeting the city signage ordinance. “No signage on the exterior of a building can be modified unless approved by city and planning,” Pace said. “We have not had any inquires from (EFS) requesting signage.”
Porter said he was oblivious to a specific ordinance in regards to signage. “We haven’t had any guidance. The person who owns the building didn’t say one word about signage. When we paid our permit there were no documents given to us by the city explaining the codes or ordinances with regard to signage. Why would we be any different showing healthy bodies on our signage than other businesses displaying beer signage?”
Pace said EFS has 24 hours to file for relief to get on the Oct. 9 Planning and Zoning hearing. Porter said he will file and will also take his argument to City Council if needed.
“We paid $1,400 for that sign and we’ve had it up for a week without anybody saying anything,” Porter said.
Pace said, upon notice of the Planning and Zoning commission, a daily fine of $150 a day will be levied if a business does not have a permit for its signage and it remains up.