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Council reviews expanded city sign exemption to 32 sq ft for city-operated signs; staff describes clean-up practices
Summary
Staff proposed increasing the allowable size for city-owned or city-operated public signs from 16 to 32 square feet and clarified permitting and lighting requirements; councilmembers also discussed how the city handles removal of non-political signs on public rights-of-way.
City staff asked the council to amend Arlington Municipal Code Chapter 20.68 to expand exemptions for city-owned or city-operated public signs, increasing the allowed area from 16 square feet to 32 square feet for reader boards and freestanding signs and allowing changeable text and interior or shielded exterior illumination at low heights.
Amy (staff member) said the exemption applies only when the sign is government owned or operated for public use; structural elements of freestanding signs (such as poles or attachments) would still require a building permit and structural review. She told the council that lighting must be downshielded if exterior illumination is used. "They would need an electrical permit," Amy confirmed in response to a council question about permit scope.
Councilmembers also raised recurring complaints about non-political signage — for example, yard-sale, mattress or small commercial signs posted on gutters and trees — and whether the city removes them. Amy said city crews do periodic sweeps and that state crews remove signs along state highways; she added the city will not remove political signs and that if the city accidentally picks up a political sign, staff will return it. "We won't pick up any political signs... If you notice some missing or something, let us know if we grabbed one on accident because we'll put it back where it was," Amy said.
The change to Chapter 20.68 would exempt certain city signs from land-use review while retaining building and electrical permit requirements for structural or electrical work. The item was discussed in workshop and will return for formal consideration; no ordinance vote occurred at this meeting.
Why it matters: Expanding the size for city-operated public signs affects how the city may provide public information through reader boards and municipal messaging. The discussion about removal practices clarifies the city's limited role in removing private or political signs on public property.
Next steps: Staff will finalize ordinance language and return the amendment for a future formal vote.
