Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Signage Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission leans to keep portable A‑frame signs banned, will clarify code language
Summary
The planning commission reviewed draft revisions to the town’s sign code (chapter 10‑24) and agreed to change the term "A‑frame signs" to the broader category "portable signs" but to keep them generally prohibited for now; commissioners asked staff to clarify setbacks, materials, pedestrian passage minimums and enforcement.
The Springdale Planning Commission on May 7 reviewed proposed revisions to chapter 10‑24 on signs and debated whether the town should continue to prohibit A‑frame signs and other small portable signs in public areas.
Staff said the existing code explicitly prohibits traditional A‑frame signs but is unclear about other portable sign designs; the draft the commission reviewed replaces the term "A‑frame signs" with the broader term "portable signs" and sets possible restrictions (setbacks, materials, visibility, and a requirement to remove signs outside business hours). "We understand that A‑frames are not allowed because of the potential for sign clutter and obstructions, trip hazards, all that kind of thing," a staff member said.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the town seeks to protect Springdale’s "village" character and pedestrian safety, but some small business owners want the flexibility to advertise specials or direct customers from State Road 9 to businesses set back off the street. Commissioners sought a workable middle ground that would not increase clutter on sidewalks or create safety hazards for pedestrians and e‑bikes.
Key discussion points
- Consensus to replace the narrow term "A‑frame" with "portable signs" so the code clearly covers other movable devices (wheeled signs, sandwich boards, small wheeled units), whether plastic, metal, or wood.
- Commissioners expressed concern about proliferation and enforcement. Several recommended limiting portable signs to 1 per property, visible passage width minimums on sidewalks (for example, maintain at least a 5‑foot clear pedestrian path), display only during business hours, and color/material limits so portable signs match the town’s existing sign color palette.
- Practical details discussed included anchoring/weighting for wind stability, prohibiting dilapidated or dirty signs, allowing internal directional signs that are not visible from the public right of way, and ensuring mobile businesses affix signage to their units rather than using separate portable signs (staff noted mobile businesses are required to keep signage on the unit).
Decision and next steps
Commissioners generally agreed to keep portable signs prohibited in the public right of way for now, but to revise the ordinance language so the prohibition clearly covers current portable sign designs. Staff was asked to draft clarified language addressing: a single sign per property if allowed later, minimum pedestrian clearances, business‑hours‑only display rules, color/material limits tied to the town sign palette, and wind‑stability/weighting requirements. The commission also asked staff to consider whether a short trial period would be feasible and to consult code enforcement about the current frequency of violations. No change to the ordinance was adopted at the meeting; the item was non‑action and will return to staff for revision.
