Council asks staff to narrow proposed temporary‑sign ordinance after public concerns about speech and small‑business impacts

The council opened public comment and reviewed a staff‑proposed amendment to Article 8 (signage) that would limit placement of temporary signs near sidewalks and intersections. Staff said the change responds to complaints about large electioneering signs visually blocking driveways and sightlines at City Hall. The draft amendment would require temporary signs taller than 24 inches to be set back from sidewalks and intersections, and would require all temporary signs to clear a minimum setback.

City planning staff emphasized the change was time‑, place‑and‑manner regulation and not content‑based. Several residents and businessowners urged caution, arguing the language could restrict small business advertising (temporary 4×4 signs, balloons, A‑frame sidewalk signs) and could raise First Amendment concerns. Councilmembers raised identical constitutional and practical concerns over applying a single rule citywide — especially downtown and in Old Town, where sidewalk advertising is common.

Council direction: rather than adopt the citywide amendment as presented, council asked staff to return with a targeted draft focused on the larger signs that actually obstruct sightlines at intersections and crosswalks, and a clearer set of exceptions for downtown sidewalk signs and small yard/stomp signs. Staff said they would prepare a revised UDO amendment and (if council requests) run it by the Planning & Zoning Commission before adoption.

Ending: No ordinance was adopted at the Jan. 27 meeting; staff will bring a narrowed proposal back for council consideration.