Rome developer, architects suggest reduction of red tape

The ULDC is assailed during Friday’s Business Development Committee meeting at City Hall.

Rome businessman Larry Martin didn’t pull any punches during a discussion with the Business Development Committee on Friday, speaking to the difficulty of getting a new business up and running.

“I think we’re doing ourselves in with too many rules and regulations. That’s why Trump got elected, people are frustrated,” he said.

The committee also heard from local architects Robert Noble and Charles Gauthreaux. Both said changes were needed to the Unified Land Development Code.

Gauthreaux said that when changes are made to the code, it rarely filters back to architects and developers; prompting City Clerk Joe Smith to say the code was not as

“unified” as it once was, with city and county commissioners making changes over the last 17 years.

“We are about rules and regulations and no dadgum common sense,” Martin said.

Noble said city and county staff are only following the rules and guidelines contained in the ordinance books when it comes to enforcing development guidelines.

“You guys need to insert that common sense into the process,” Noble said.

The mission of the new city committee, chaired by Commissioner Bill Irmscher is to “simplify, clarify and expedite the regulatory process for a new business startup, or the expansion of an existing business.”

“I really don’t think we’re that bad off,” Noble said. “Some specific rules and regulations, especially in the ULDC are onerous.

Noble pointed to Historic Preservation Commission rules requiring wooden windows in certain districts while being opposed to vinyl windows.

“I don’t think anybody can tell the difference driving down the street,” he said.

Gauthreaux stressed ULDC rules that stipulate the specific size of trees planted during landscaping or the requirement of installing a sidewalk in front of a new development when the empty lot beside it has no sidewalk whatsoever.

Martin said the expense associated with meeting all of the different rules and regulations makes it almost impossible for a small entrepreneur to go into business today.

“If it’s not a big, big, big million-dollar development, it doesn’t get done; it’s just too hard,” he said.

He suggested that a ULDC only apply to developments of at least five acres in size.

Doug Walker / Rome News-Tribune Rome Business Development Committee members Craig McDaniel (from left) and Bill Collins listen to businessman Larry Martin discuss challenges in getting new commercial construction permitted and ready to build.