The City Council of Hanford convened on October 7, 2025, to discuss significant changes to the city’s signage regulations, particularly focusing on the introduction of a new ordinance regarding portable signs, including feather flags and A-frame signs. The meeting began with Mr. Waters presenting the proposed ordinance, which aims to establish guidelines for the placement, size, and materials of these signs.

Currently, the city’s ordinance prohibits feather signs, but the council has received multiple presentations advocating for their allowance. The proposed changes would create a new category of signs termed "portable signs," which would differ from temporary signs that are typically unmovable. Portable signs would be allowed in non-residential zones, with specific regulations including a maximum height of 10 feet and a size limit of 16 square feet per sign. Businesses would be permitted one portable sign for every 30 feet of street frontage, with the stipulation that these signs must be removed when the business is closed.

Key restrictions outlined in the proposal include:
- Portable signs must be located on the same lot as the associated business and cannot obstruct pedestrian access or visibility.
- They must maintain a minimum setback of 7 feet from the curb and a 4-foot pedestrian clear zone on sidewalks.
- Signs cannot be placed within 20 feet of another portable sign or within 30 feet of a street intersection.

During the discussion, council members expressed concerns about the visibility and safety implications of the proposed regulations, particularly regarding the sight triangle, which is intended to ensure clear visibility for drivers and pedestrians. Some council members suggested that the distance requirements from driveways and permanent signs be reconsidered to better accommodate local businesses.

Public comments were invited, with local business owners expressing their frustrations over the current restrictions. Steven Oliver from Hanford Auto Sales highlighted that the proposed regulations would severely limit the number of signs he could display, despite having ample frontage. He advocated for the removal of the 100-foot restriction from permanent signs and the distance requirement from driveways, suggesting that these changes would allow businesses to effectively promote themselves without compromising safety.

George from Shogon Auto Center echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for flexibility in the regulations to support local businesses. He noted that the current restrictions hinder their ability to attract customers and suggested that the council consider the practical implications of the proposed regulations.

The council concluded the public comment period and indicated a willingness to revisit the proposed regulations, particularly the distance requirements, to better support local businesses while maintaining safety standards. Further discussions and potential adjustments to the ordinance are expected in future meetings, as the council seeks to balance business interests with community safety.