Proposed changes to the county’s sign ordinance are set to go before the Dawson County Board of Commissioners next week.

A public hearing at 6 p.m. April 7 in the G.L. Pete Gilleland Chambers at Dawsonville City Hall will give residents and the business community an opportunity to speak on the proposed changes.

Potential changes include raising the number of signs on buildings and increasing the size of signs in an effort to promote business along the Ga. 400 corridor.

The size of signs in residential neighborhoods could also increase.

Several residents and members of the business community spoke during the first public hearing on the proposed ordinance, held during the March 15 meeting of the Dawson County Planning Commission.

Resident Mike Wenson said he understands why businesses want larger signs.

“We want business to grow and prosper,” he said.

But, he added, “We want to keep the community looking nice.”

Leo Sheppard, also of Dawsonville, cautioned against increasing the number of signs allowed on businesses.

He suggested a better solution to improving the visibility of business signs on Ga. 400 is reducing the speed limit on the highway.

The planning commission voted to send the ordinance to the board of commissioners without a recommendation for approval or denial.

The commission also voted to attach a document submitted by a group of Dawson County Chamber of Commerce members who reviewed the proposed ordinance and a letter written by resident Pepper Pettit, which focused on permanent signage in residential areas.