Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Signage Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Derby council advances window-signage zoning amendments to second reading
Summary
Council approved a motion to schedule a second reading for zoning regulation amendments on window signage for Aug. 26 after a first-reading presentation by the city planner; the proposal adds size limits, a 25% no-permit allowance for uncovered windows, an exemption for lower, awning-shadowed windows, and a maintenance requirement for all signs.
At its Aug. 12 meeting, the Derby City Council approved a motion to schedule a second reading on Aug. 26 for proposed amendments to the city’s zoning regulations governing window signage.
Scott Knable, city planner, told the council the Planning Commission’s steering committee and a group of business and sign-industry stakeholders reviewed the issue and recommended the ordinance language the council considered. Knable said window signage is currently exempt from regulation and the proposal would place “reasonable restrictions” on window signs to prevent businesses from using windows to circumvent wall-sign size limits.
The proposal includes three primary elements, according to Knable: a full-coverage exemption for window signs no more than 12 feet in height that are under an 18-inch awning or overhang; a 25% no-permit limit for uncovered windows (owners could exceed 25% but would then be treated as wall signs subject to permit and wall-size limits); and a maintenance requirement that would allow the city to notify sign owners to repair or replace signs that are faded, peeling or otherwise unmaintained. Knable said stakeholders agreed on adding the maintenance requirement.
Council members asked for clarifications about permit fees and enforcement. Knable said face replacements of existing signs do not carry a permit fee and that the city does not charge a fee for replacing the face of an existing sign; a permit fee applies only to the initial sign construction. On enforcement, Knable and council members discussed that the city could ultimately cause repairs to be made, but that in his experience letters and notices had previously produced high compliance rates. Knable said staff’s prior sign-enforcement process led to roughly 100% compliance after outreach.
Council member Molt moved to schedule the second reading for Aug. 26, 2025; the motion passed 8-0.
Ending
The council did not adopt the ordinance on Aug. 12; it scheduled a required second reading for Aug. 26, 2025. Staff said the ordinance language and Planning Commission minutes are included in the council packet.
