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Council debates two-year extension for nonconforming signs as US-23 construction nears
Summary
Councilmembers discussed a staff proposal to delay enforcement of the city's nonconforming sign code citywide for two years to accommodate businesses affected by the US-23 interchange construction; staff said about 30'35 businesses remain out of compliance and letters have been sent.
City staff and councilmembers on May 5 debated a proposal to relax the city's nonconforming sign code for two years to ease the impact of heavy construction tied to the US-23 interchange project.
Service Director Shaw presented the request, saying the code change would push the compliance deadline out two years to account for difficulties businesses face while the $36 million US-23 improvement is under way. Shaw said the staff recommendation was to apply the extension citywide rather than drawing a strict geographic boundary: “We just thought it was better just to do the whole city, kick it for 2 years and delay it for a bit longer.”
Shaw told council the zoning administrator issued letters again in January notifying businesses that they had roughly 12 months to comply, which prompted discussions; staff estimates about 30'35 businesses remain noncompliant. Councilmembers said staff has been communicating with property owners for years, that the original ordinance provided a long lead time, and that enforcement should include notice and a clear end to the extension. Council also discussed possible penalties or requirements that sign modifications come before the Board of Architectural Review.
No formal vote to adopt or amend the code was recorded in the transcript. Council asked staff to continue outreach and to return with details on enforcement options and any incentive programs; Councilmember Sanford was asked to check for potential state funding sources to help businesses cover sign replacement costs.
Details: Staff recommended that, if a business undertakes a renovation or requires a site plan review during the extension, the city would still require conversion to a conforming monument sign as part of that permitting process. Council discussed prior incentives that had been offered and that some incentives had sunsetted.
Next steps: Staff will continue active engagement with identified businesses and return with recommended language, enforcement options and communication plans.
