Kyle "BlackCatTips" Brooks, the DeKalb County artist in a tiff with officials over his yard art, got off without a fine Tuesday.

Brooks was cited for art installations on his Klondike Road lawn outside Lithonia, but admitted no wrongdoing in court, Channel 2 Action News reported. He's taken the pieces down for now.

But Brooks, whose art is displayed across Atlanta, said he’s still considering future installations that could go up in the yard. As long as they comply with code, he could do as he pleases.

“I love totem poles and sculptures, I like bright colors and smiles — We’ll focus on that,” he said after court.

DeKalb officials have said the sign-like works he first put up didn’t fit county sign ordinances. On residential property, the county said code prohibits putting up a sign without a permit. Signs also must be no greater than 24 square feet and no more than four feet above the ground.

Brooks, who’s done commissions for clients including Sweetwater Brewing and painted murals around Atlanta, has said he’d be OK with getting a permit before installing pieces. He didn’t realize that was a requirement before.

Like DeKalb County News Now on Facebook | Follow on Twitter and Instagram

The artist did not plead guilty to violating DeKalb County's sign ordinance and says more of his artwork will go back up.

About the Author

Keep Reading

The roof collapse happened at 200 Technology Drive, just outside Alpharetta in Forsyth County, around 1 p.m. Friday.

Credit: Forsyth County Fire Department

Featured

A new poll from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution explored what Georgians thought about the first 100 days in office of President Donald Trump’s second term. Photo illustration by Philip Robibero/AJC

Credit: Philip Robibero/AJC