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Merchants press DDA for authorized a‑frame sign pilot; board asks staff to draft ordinance language
Summary
Retailers urged the Downtown Development Authority to allow regulated a‑frame (sandwich board) signage downtown. Merchants argued the signs boost visibility and foot traffic; the board asked staff to work with merchants and code enforcement to draft a proposal or pilot and return with recommendations.
Merchants and the Downtown Development Authority discussed whether to permit regulated a‑frame (sandwich board) signs on sidewalks during the April 14 meeting.
Merchant Association chair Mavis Benson told the board that, during the COVID‑19 period, temporary allowance of a‑frame signs helped small businesses and increased foot traffic. "Some may view an a frame sign as clutter or obstacles on the sidewalk, but from our vantage point, they're invitations," Benson said in public comment.
DDA staff presented a draft outline that would treat a‑frames as freestanding signage governed by revised rules: permitted locations, maximum size, permitted content (business name, hours, daily specials and promotions), stability and safety requirements, a permit process, and enforcement details. Staff noted the city code is currently silent on a‑frames in some respects and that the LDRs otherwise prohibit signs not expressly allowed.
Board members and merchants debated specifics: whether to allow chalk messages, whether signs should be permitted only for businesses without direct sidewalk frontage, limits on the number of signs per block, maintenance and visual standards, time limits for temporary promotions (one board member suggested seven days), and enforcement responsibilities. Several members emphasized using a permit and consistent frame design so signs remain tasteful and do not clutter narrow sidewalks.
Some members urged working with Code Enforcement and Development Services to create clear, enforceable language and recommended a pilot program or permit that would limit size, content and placement. The board asked staff and merchant representatives to draft a proposal and return with a recommended rubric and ordinance language for review at a future meeting.
No formal vote was taken; the board directed staff to gather additional input and draft proposed language that could be reviewed by the city's code and enforcement teams. The DDA encouraged merchants to provide specific suggestions to staff ahead of the next meeting.
