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File #: PZ 25-002    Version: 1
Type: Design Reviews Status: Passed
File created: 1/2/2025 In control: City Council
On agenda: 3/3/2025 Final action: 3/3/2025
Title: Public Art Request for a dog statue art installation at Georgia Grooming Academy. The property is located at 3911 Dillard Street, within land lot 903 of the 19th District, 2nd Section, Cobb County, Georgia. PIN: 19090300020.
Attachments: 1. Approved PZ 2025-002, 2. PZ25-002. Motion to Approve. 03032025, 3. Application Redacted, 4. Public Art. 3911 Dillard Street. Exhibit and location map.
Related files: PZ 24-011

CASE NUMBER:    PZ25-002

APPLICANT:  Tina Thomas, Georgia Grooming Academy.

PUBLIC ART REQUEST: Colorful Metal Dog Statue.

LOCATION: 3911 Dillard Street.

ZONING: CBD.                              ACRES: 0.47.                   PIN: 19090300020.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Arts and Cultural Affairs: Approve.

  Planning and Zoning: Approve.

                     

BACKGROUND: 

Ms. Tina Thomas requests approval of the dog statue shown in figure 3. The subject property was formerly occupied by Spa Wags Dog Grooming, which featured a white dog statue along the Marietta Street frontage. In spring 2024, Ms. Tina Thomas rebranded the business as Georgia Grooming Academy and installed a colorful metal dog statue in the location formerly occupied by the white dog statue. This installation was done without the necessary permit or design review, resulting in an intervention by Code Enforcement.

An initial permit request to Community Development was denied due to the lack of an established process for reviewing public art requests. In response, the City of Powder Springs enacted a Public Art Ordinance to standardize the review, approval, installation, and maintenance of public art projects. This ordinance established guidelines and procedures with the goal to ensure that public art requests enhance the cultural, aesthetic, and economic vitality of Powder Springs while promoting community identity and pride.

 

SURROUNDING AREA:

The property is zoned Central Business District (CBD) and is adjacent to residential uses on the south side of Marietta Street, and commercial uses on the north side across Marietta Street. The Marietta Street corridor is characterized by a mix of low intensity commercial and residential uses.

  Figure 1. Vicinity Map. Statue location marked in red on the highlighted lot.

 

Figure 2. Zoning Districts

 

Figure 3. Dog Statue: Rowdy The Dog.

 

 

ANALYSIS:

The application was reviewed against the following criteria:

 

A.                     Arts Commission Review

The Arts Commission evaluated the proposal based on:

 

•                     Artistic Quality and Innovation: Assessing the creativity, originality, and overall excellence of the artwork.

•                     Contribution to the Cultural and Aesthetic Environment: Determining how the artwork enhances the visual landscape and reflects Powder Springs’ cultural identity.

•                     Community Engagement and Educational Value: Evaluating opportunities for public interaction, educational programming, and overall community enrichment.

 

Feedback:

The Arts Commission voted on 2/18/2025 to unanimously approve and provided positive feedback noting the innovative nature of a new artwork in Powder Springs. The Commission observed that the colorful dog sculpture contributes significantly to the cultural and aesthetic environment and promotes community engagement (e.g., children, business patrons, and visitors engaging with and taking selfies with the statue).

 

B.                     Planning and Zoning Commission Review

The Planning and Zoning Commission will review the proposal for the following criteria and voted unanimously to recommend approval:

 

•                     Compliance with Zoning Regulations: Ensuring that the installation meets all applicable zoning requirements.

•                     Site Appropriateness and Impact on Surrounding Areas: Evaluating the suitability of the site and potential impacts on adjacent properties.

•                     Accessibility and Safety Considerations: Confirming that the artwork is safely accessible and does not adversely affect pedestrian or vehicular movement.

 

C.                     Required Certifications

The Chief of Police, the Community Development Director, and the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs have reviewed the proposal and provided their certifications with no objections or additional recommendations:

 

•                     Chief of Police Certification: A certification confirming that the artwork will not constitute a traffic hazard or present an undue distraction to motorists or pedestrians.

Feedback: The police department has no issue with the artwork. There is no traffic or pedestrian hazard caused by the artwork and it does not cause any distraction to drivers passing the location. Chief Lane Caldwell

 

•                     Community Development Director Certification: A certification that the artwork does not contain, nor is intended to convey, a commercial message primarily.

Feedback: There is no commercial message associated with the proposed artwork.

 

•                     Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Director Certification: A certification (or from a designee) that the artwork is consistent with the City’s public art goals.

Feedback: Parks commented that they have no issues with the proposed public art.

 

 

 

 

D.                     Council Consideration Criteria

Upon receipt of recommendations from both the Arts Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission, the City Council will review the proposal considering the required certifications as well as the following criteria:

 

•                     Spatial Relationship: The relationship of the proposed artwork to the building or premises and its context within the surrounding area.

•                     Vehicular and Pedestrian Traffic Safety: Ensuring the installation does not compromise public safety.

•                     Nearby Signage: Evaluation of the presence of adjacent signage that may affect visual aesthetics.

•                     Physical Characteristics: Consideration of the size, dimensions, and other physical attributes of the artwork.

 

E.                     Public Engagement.

Support: The applicant shared the following regarding public support:

Since our new Dog Statue arrived last year, we’ve had so many wonderful comments about the new edition.  Bus Drivers, Law Enforcement, School Teachers who are all customers, have provided nothing but positive feedback and thank you’s to us. They each share different stories and testimonies about how they are thankful we’ve been able to “keep him”, after what happened last year.  We’ve had dozens of selfie moments and smiles with our new Dog Statue.  Surrounding neighbors have even commented on how they enjoy him. 

 

Opposition: Opposition to the dog statue was voiced during the Planning and Zoning Public Hearing on 2/24/2024. The owner of the neighboring property at 4217 Marietta Street expressed concerns about the statue's size and appearance, describing it as "large and gaudy." He stated a preference for the previous white dog statue and mentioned that he can clearly see the new statue from his residential property, which has caused him some dissatisfaction with its placement.

 

 

F.                     Maintenance Plan.

The applicant has reported that there have been no safety concerns or issues with the Dog Statue to date and pledges to maintain its appearance for the community. Recognizing that the statue’s “rustic charm” may evolve as it naturally wears over time, the applicant commits to repainting and addressing any deterioration before it becomes too noticeable. In addition, the Dog Statue will undergo quarterly inspections to ensure it remains in excellent condition, with any necessary touch-ups promptly performed. The applicant appreciates the City’s support and encouragement and looks forward to continued dialogue regarding the maintenance of the artwork.

 

 

 

G.                     STAFF COMMENTS

 

The dog statue as a work of public art demonstrates strong artistic merit, with its vibrant color palette and innovative design, which significantly contributes to the cultural and aesthetic environment of Powder Springs. The sculpture is anticipated to foster community engagement by encouraging public interaction, including visitors taking selfies with the piece.

 

In terms of zoning compliance, the statue is placed 22-feet from the side fence line, does not obstruct sight distance for vehicles, and is not located within the public right of way. The base of the sculpture measures 4x4 feet, with an approximate height of 11 feet. The new dog is approximately 8-feet closer to the side property line than where the previous white dog was located, based on analysis of historical aerials.

 

Staff have noted minor wear to the paint and some minor rust on certain welds. In terms of safety, the metal has been treated to address potential sharp edges and potential hazards that could cause cuts or scrapes. One concern is the exposed rebar where the statue is anchored, as this may present a safety hazard to the public. Nonetheless, the statue is appropriately scaled for its location and poses no significant threat to general welfare or safety, remaining compliant with zoning regulations and posing no safety risk to traffic.

 

 

Should the council consider approval, staff proposes the following conditions:

 

1.                     The property owner shall maintain the dog statue in good condition and perform quarterly inspections and prompt touchups when necessary. This includes keeping the sculpture free of rust, structural damage, graffiti, or any other form of deterioration.

 

2.                     The applicant shall insulate, wrap, or otherwise provide additional protection to the exposed rebar mount at the base of the statue. The protrusion is minor, however, addressing it will reduce the potential safety risk to individuals interacting with the artwork.

 

3.                     If the artwork becomes significantly damaged or compromised, the property owner shall promptly restore it to a condition consistent with its originally approved design. Any substantial changes to the appearance or materials of the artwork will require additional review and approval by the City.

 

4.                     The property owner shall appear before the City Council for recertification no later than two (2) years from the date of the final approval of the dog statue.