Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Signs Ordinance Ch78 topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves comprehensive sign‑regulations overhaul, including portable sign limits and political sign timing
Summary
The commission approved amendments to Chapter 78 (signs) that add definitions, limit portable/A‑frame signs to one per property and set size limits, and establish time limits and removal rules for political signs; enforcement will begin with education.
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a recommendation that the City Council adopt revisions to Chapter 78 (signs) of the Alpine Code of Ordinances. The amendments add or clarify sign definitions, update permitting and maintenance rules, and place new limits on portable (A‑frame) signs and political signage.
Jessica, who helped prepare the packet, said the sign definitions were aligned with the city’s adopted zoning code and international standards where appropriate, and that new definitions were added for types such as atrium/A‑frame signs where the city had enforcement challenges. Commissioners discussed recurring problems with portable signs placed in public rights‑of‑way and sight‑triangle obstructions.
Under the adopted draft language, portable signs would be permitted only in commercial and industrial zoning districts, limited to one portable sign per property, and restricted to a maximum height of 4 feet and a maximum area of 6 square feet. Portable signs would not be allowed outside the perimeter of the property onto public right‑of‑way except for permitted special events approved by the code official. Staff said the rule is intended to ensure a minimum unobstructed pathway for pedestrians and to avoid sight‑line hazards at corners.
The ordinance also includes a political‑sign section that limits when election‑related signs may be displayed. The draft requires political signs to be displayed only during specified windows (for example, 60 days prior to the election and removed within 10 days after the election for private property; narrower rules for public‑property placement and early voting locations were discussed), and it clarifies enforcement options.
Jessica and Megan said the city will use education first — notification and a reasonable cure period — before issuing citations. The ordinance contains maintenance and nonconforming‑sign provisions so some existing signs may be grandfathered while broken or unsafe signs would need repair or removal. Penalties for violations were described as municipal citations up to $500, but staff said the enforcement approach would prioritize outreach and correction rather than immediate fines.
The commission approved the sign ordinance recommendation unanimously; staff said implementation would include notifications to affected businesses and a period to bring nonconforming signs into compliance before stricter enforcement.
