Kingman proposes new rules for temporary off-premise signs, limits banner sizes and counts

City staff outlined proposed limits for temporary off-premise signage Sept. 25 as part of the broader zoning update, saying the rules aim to curb illegal sign proliferation while preserving a narrow path for community events and real-estate promotion.

"We did come back with incorporating it into the temporary use permit process," staff member Jason said. He told council the draft would allow off-premise event banners under a temporary use permit (TUP) with specific conditions to reduce clutter and comply with First Amendment precedents such as Reed v. Gilbert.

Key provisions and limits - Maximum banner size: 24 square feet per banner (staff said an increase from an earlier 16-square-foot proposal). - Counts: up to eight banners per event, with no more than two banners at any single intersection. - Placement: banners may be attached to fences or staked at a fixed location; they must not obstruct vehicular lines of sight and cannot be placed on county property (city staff said the city cannot authorize displays on county-owned fences). - Timing and removal: banners may be installed up to 14 days before an event and must be removed within 48 hours after the event concludes. - Frequency: a location may display permitted temporary banners no more than 12 times in a calendar year. - Identification: permitted banners must display the temporary use permit number to help enforcement identify authorized displays. - Pole signs: the draft would permit reuse of existing pole sign structures and cabinets in commercial zones; new pole signs would remain prohibited pending a comprehensive sign-code update.

Parks and jurisdictional limits Staff said that banners and displays on city-owned park property (for example Metcalfe Park) are controlled through the city’s park permit process, not the TUP for off-premise signs. Vice Mayor Samuley asked whether a nonprofit holding events that cannot reserve dates more than 90 days ahead could apply once and add dates later; Jason said staff can process revisions or addenda in practice and that the city does not currently have a formal addendum fee schedule but can develop accommodating practices for nonprofits.

Public concerns Robin Gordon, representing event organizer Sounds of Kingman, said some community groups cannot schedule all their annual events far in advance because library and venue rules limit reservations. Gordon asked whether the city could allow a single permit with later addenda so nonprofit groups would not pay repeatedly. Staff said they will monitor the TUP implementation and consider administrative options, including reduced-cost addenda or a policy to ease processing for recurring nonprofit events.

Next steps The TUP and sign-code changes remain in draft form and are part of the public comment period through Oct. 10. Staff told council it will publish revised materials and return the draft to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council for consideration in November; no changes are final until council acts.