By DEB GRUVER

Staff writer

The owner of Dawn’s Day Spa is circulating a petition to try to convince officials to allow her sign on Main Street.

The sign at 331 E. Main St. — mounted on the front of the business, perpendicular to the building — violates city code. Signs that jut out over the sidewalk have been a no-no in Marion for years.

Chelsea Mackey, owner of the spa that opened earlier this year, posted a photo on her business’ Facebook page of a petition she is circulating.

Mackey did not return calls from the Record, and when visited in person, explained she was busy with clients.

Although a petition is advisory only, she is asking people to sign to put pressure on officials to change code.

City council member Zach Collett supports allowing signs such as hers.

In one of her Facebook posts, Mackey wrote: “Today I was visited and asked to take down my sign. The storefront sign I have violates a city code stating signs that hang over the sidewalk are prohibited on Main St. between Elm and Walnut.

“I’m hoping the city council will change this ordinance. In the meantime, please stop in and sign my petition. It will be sitting on my countertop when you come in the front door. I will also have it with me at football games for the next few weeks.”

Zoning administrator Margo Yates told commissioners in August that she had seen the sign but didn’t want to “hurt the feelings” of a new business owner.

At an August meeting, planning and zoning commission member Bruce Skiles suggested giving Mackey 60 days to remove the sign. Commission member Darvin Markley objected, saying doing so would set a precedent. Marion city administrator Mark Skiles said then that he had sent an enforcement officer to talk to Mackey.