Port Richey planning board recommends sign-code revisions to council, defers Waterfront Overlay rules

The Port Richey Planning and Zoning Board voted June 10 to recommend a package of revisions to the city's draft sign ordinance to the City Council, while asking staff to return later with more detailed policy for signs in the Waterfront Overlay District.

City Attorney Nancy Maya presented the draft and guided the board through several changes she said had been incorporated from Pasco County language and earlier board notes. "I sent you our latest version of the sign ordinance," Maya said, and pointed to specific edits that include new digital-sign language and changes to window-sign limits.

The board and members of the public debated technical limits and neighborhood impacts. Maya noted the draft's provision on digital-message authority: "digital display shall not be configured to resemble a warning or danger signal and shall not resemble or simulate any lights or official signage used to control traffic unless at the direction of the city or a public service announcement government declared emergency." The board agreed to one explicit timing change: paragraph 2's display-interval language was edited from 15 seconds to 10 seconds.

Why it matters: the package updates where and how electronic and illuminated signs can operate in Port Richey, clarifies limits on window and sandwich signs, and sets enforcement rules the city can use to remove signs in violation. Board approval sends the ordinance draft to City Council for final action, meaning the measures could affect new permits and future development citywide.

Key changes and points discussed

- Window signs: The draft changes an earlier 25% threshold to allow signs that cover "50% or less of the window," language Maya read to the board. Board members confirmed the change reflects prior discussion.

- Sandwich (A-frame) signs: The draft limits temporary sandwich signs to display only during business operating hours; board members discussed whether to require businesses to remove signs in bad weather but did not add a mandatory weather clause.

- Digital signs: The ordinance adds about a page and a half of new rules for digital signage, drawn from Pasco County text. The draft prohibits digital displays that mimic warning signals except at the city's direction during declared emergencies and restricts moving or flashing illumination; board members debated whether to require a static-only loop or permit transitions and brief animations. After discussion, the board asked staff to change the paragraph setting the minimum static-display interval from 15 seconds to 10 seconds.

- Brightness, light trespass and sight lines: Members asked how the draft controls brightness and light trespass where commercial districts abut residential zones. Maya pointed to an existing code provision requiring nonresidential signs that abut residential zoning to be set back at least 10 feet; the board discussed whether that and the draft's foot-candle/brightness formulas were sufficient.

- Pole vs. monument signs and the Waterfront Overlay District (WOD): Board members and public commenters pressed the board on whether pole signs should be banned citywide versus allowed in a tailored way in the WOD. The board agreed not to finalize special WOD language at this meeting. Instead, they will refer Waterfront Overlay sign policy to City Council for direction and asked the city manager to consult business owners in the district before drafting specific WOD regulations.

Public comment and business concerns

Several members of the public addressed the board. A resident raised the example of a new digital sign on U.S. 19 that cycles messages and asked whether the city had compared nearby municipal codes. Another commenter urged the board not to outlaw pole signs entirely, arguing for a business-friendly approach and tailored visual standards in the Waterfront Overlay District so businesses remain visible from the bridge and main approaches.

Enforcement and follow-up

Board members supported language that helps code enforcement act on signs in disrepair: the draft allows removal, alteration or repair within 90 days for signs violating the code. Maya said variances under the proposed language would be limited to setback issues and would not be a route to permit otherwise-prohibited sign types.

Outcome and next steps

After discussion, a board member made a motion to approve the proposed sign-code revisions as discussed and recommend them to City Council; the board voiced its approval and the motion carried. The planning board directed staff to: make the agreed edits (including changing the static-display interval in paragraph 2 from 15 to 10 seconds), forward the sign ordinance draft to City Council, and return later with a refined approach for the Waterfront Overlay District following consultation with the city manager and property owners.

The council will receive the ordinance and the board's guidance; the Waterfront Overlay District language will be developed further before a final recommendation to council.

Ending note: Board members praised portions of the draft as a practical update while agreeing the Waterfront Overlay District requires additional outreach and council-level policy direction before permanent changes are adopted.