During the recent Midway City Council meeting, discussions centered on proposed changes to the city's sign ordinance, aimed at supporting local businesses while maintaining community aesthetics. The council considered Ordinance 2024-14, which amends the existing signage regulations in the Midway Municipal Code.

One of the key proposals is to allow temporary signs for new businesses, giving them a chance to attract customers without the immediate financial burden of a permanent sign. The council discussed limiting these temporary signs in size and allowing only one per business. To encourage businesses to transition to permanent signage, the proposal includes a provision for one renewal of their business license before requiring a permanent sign.

Council members expressed a desire to make the process more accessible for new businesses, with suggestions to shorten the renewal period to one year. This approach aims to provide businesses with a manageable timeframe to establish themselves while still adhering to the city's aesthetic standards.

Another significant topic was the introduction of painted signs, which would require approval from the Visual Arts Committee (VAC). This option would allow businesses to showcase unique designs, provided they meet certain quality standards. The council emphasized the importance of having clear guidelines for what constitutes an acceptable painted sign to ensure consistency and quality across the community.

Additionally, the council discussed the potential for allowing frame signs, which would need to be placed within five feet of a business's entry door and brought inside at night to prevent them from becoming permanent fixtures. These signs would be limited in size and designed to convey changing information, such as daily specials, enhancing the vibrancy of the local business scene.

The council's discussions reflect a commitment to balancing the needs of businesses with the desire to maintain the character of Midway. By considering these changes, the council aims to foster a supportive environment for new enterprises while ensuring that signage contributes positively to the community's visual landscape. The next steps will involve refining the proposed ordinance based on feedback from the meeting before a final vote is scheduled.