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Planning Staff Presents Concept for Sign‑Code Maintenance Amendments; Digital‑sign and Clarity Updates Proposed
Summary
Planning staff presented concept amendments to the county’s Unified Development Ordinance on June 5, proposing updates to sign standards — including new digital‑sign provisions, clearer rules for nonconforming signs and permitting updates — and asked the board for input before drafting public materials.
Planning department staff presented a concept proposal June 5 to update the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) sign standards with maintenance amendments focused on clarity, modern technology and enforceability.
Rebecca Roth (staff) said the UDO adopted in 2020 included reorganized sign rules but that subsequent court decisions, state statute changes and technological advances — especially digital signage — require maintenance updates. Staff recommended three categories of edits: new provisions to address digital signs (brightness levels, speed of copy change and enforceable limits); clarifications of terms and nonconforming sign policies (the prior amortization approach was removed and staff wants clearer language about what remains legal); and administrative/permitting updates to synchronize the county’s sign permit process with local sign companies and the building/permit staff.
Roth said staff will coordinate with the county attorney’s office and sign‑permitting staff and hopes to publish a public comment draft in July and present a public hearing draft to the board in August. Board members asked whether audio associated with digital signs should be addressed; Roth said staff would research audio and add guidance if appropriate. Board members also noted that signs in the state right of way require coordination with NCDOT and that enforcement authority references should reflect current department roles.
No formal action was taken; staff will work with legal counsel, the permitting division and sign vendors to draft detailed language for public review.
