Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Signs Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Farragut approves first reading of sign‑ordinance amendment clarifying public right‑of‑way
Summary
On first reading the board approved Ordinance 2059 to amend Chapter 109 of the municipal code, defining the town's public right‑of‑way for sign enforcement as 12 feet back from the curb or edge of street when no curb exists.
On Aug. 14, 2025, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved Ordinance 2059 on first reading to amend the Fairview Municipal Code, Chapter 109 (Signs), clarifying when property owners may be required to remove signs from public rights‑of‑way.
Mark Shipley, the item presenter, said the ordinance was initiated by Alderman David White to provide consistency in enforcement by establishing a clear distance measurement. Planning Commission recommended the ordinance unanimously. The ordinance defines the public right‑of‑way for sign removal enforcement as 12 feet back behind the curb, or the edge of the street where no curb exists; staff said the 12‑foot standard is intended to provide a consistent enforcement line across varied road geometries.
Alderman Burnette asked whether the 12‑foot standard could bring signs closer to the road in places where the right‑of‑way is further back; Shipley and staff replied that the purpose was consistency and predictability, and that safety concerns (line‑of‑sight blockage) could still be addressed on a case‑by‑case basis. Shipley said the ordinance was drafted after consultation with the town attorney and staff, and the planning commission had reviewed and recommended it.
The board voted by roll call; minutes record the ordinance passed first reading unanimously. The ordinance now moves forward to a subsequent reading for final adoption.
