Petersburg staff proposes tighter rules for window, flag and temporary signs; council asked to review changes

City of Petersburg planning staff presented proposed changes to the municipal sign ordinance during the City Council work session on Oct. 7, 2025, asking council to consider new limits on window signage, clearer definitions for flag/feather signs, and a lower permit fee for replacing sign faces.

The proposed amendments are intended to reduce visual clutter, promote safety and consistency, and give the city an enforceable standard for both new signs and existing shopping‑center signage, planning staff said.

Planning staffer Jared (planning department) told council the current ordinance exempts most non‑illuminated window advertising from the definition of “sign,” which means businesses can add multiple window decals or posters without a permit. Staff proposed removing that exemption and limiting the aggregate area of window signs on each window or door to 20% of the glass surface; staff also…