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HDC staff reports enforcement actions and seeks list of grandfathered freestanding signs
Summary
HDC staff reported multiple enforcement contacts and removals, and committee members discussed the need for an authoritative list of grandfathered freestanding signage after questions about Aunt Leah's Fudge and other long-standing signs.
HDC staff on June 17, 2025, told the sign advisory committee that the office had issued multiple warning letters, resolved several violations and was gathering documentation about a small number of long-standing, grandfathered freestanding signs.
"I sent out quite a few letters last week. The running center is resolved," Nikki Sheriff, HDC staff, reported. She said Cape Cod 5 had converted to a wooden sign but would return for revisions to meet the earlier motion's requirement of a wooden sign with smooth background.
Staff described several other resolved cases: for-rent signs and an Easy Street restaurant sign were removed after phone calls; A & M Painting removed its sign the same day staff called; one vendor required further follow-up for enforcement action. Nikki also said she had mailed out applications and was awaiting responses or drive-by confirmations when owners did not reply.
The committee discussed longstanding questions about which freestanding signs in town hold a grandfathered status. Chair Chris and members identified two examples that committee members recalled as longstanding: Aunt Leah's Fudge (subject of prior court cases) and Young's Bicycle Shop (spinning wheel). "Aunt Leah's is interesting because I know we've been to court with them twice," one committee member said, and another asked whether a recent Supreme Court decision applied. Staff said she would forward the letter she received and collect documentation for the police station.
Other items noted by staff included a neon sign near the Veil and an unapproved banner at a former Oath Pizza location. The committee welcomed police assistance for enforcement of sandwich-board and freestanding signs and asked staff to assemble documentation of grandfathered signage so police officers could respond consistently to complaints.
No formal motions were taken on enforcement or grandfathering during the meeting; staff will continue outreach, collect documents and may place unresolved cases on future agendas for further action.
