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Council weighs requiring permits for portable sidewalk signs to improve downtown safety and appearance
Summary
Councilmembers and downtown stakeholders discussed code changes to require a permit for portable signs, enforcement challenges since COVID, and proposed fines and permit fees aimed at reducing sidewalk clutter and safety hazards.
City staff and downtown stakeholders discussed proposed code changes on April 8 to require a permit for portable (A-frame) signs on sidewalks and Front Street.
Staff said enforcement has been difficult since 2020: officers can ask businesses to remove signs but repeated violations force staff to restart enforcement and fines are delayed. The proposal would require a one-time permit (staff suggested $65) and increase the fine for repeat noncompliance (examples in discussion included a $500 noncompliance fine). The permit would allow staff to review size, location and compliance with design standards.
Chamber of Commerce and downtown businesses generally supported clearer rules and a simple approval process, while acknowledging some businesses currently use signs competitively. Design-review and downtown steering committee members said a permit would level the playing field, address safety risks and let the city manage signs on private and public property consistently. Several councilmembers suggested exemptions or carve-outs for businesses that have private frontage or unique building eaves.
Council gave direction to staff to draft a code amendment creating a permit process, develop enforcement procedures that avoid endless restart cycles, and return with recommended fee and fine amounts for council adoption.
