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Whitestown planning commission discusses overhaul of signage rules, temporary signs and enclosures
Summary
Commissioners discussed a proposed rewrite of the signage ordinance to improve clarity and enforceability, focusing on temporary construction signage, permit requirements, duration limits, dumpster enclosures, monument landscaping and moving sign-lighting rules into the lighting chapter; no formal vote was taken.
The Whitestown Planning Commission discussed possible revisions to the town’s signage ordinance, including changes to temporary construction signage rules, permit and duration requirements, dumpster enclosure standards, foundation landscaping around monument signs, and the placement of lighting rules.
Planning staff described the effort as a reorganization and clarification of existing content to make the ordinance easier for staff and the public to interpret. Staff said the project is tied to other district updates and that some changes would move lighting-related rules from the signage chapter into chapter 6 (lighting standards); electronic message signage and changeable-copy rules would remain as part of the overall signage provisions.
Commissioners raised several practical concerns: whether construction signs that remain after work has halted should be removed after a set period; whether temporary construction signs should require a permit so staff can review them before they are installed; how to handle signs that are effectively painted trailers or parked vehicles; and whether to require that temporary construction signage be maintained in good repair (for example, not left flapping on damaged zip ties). Several commissioners supported adding a permit requirement for temporary or construction signs so staff can review compliance before signs are installed.
The commission also discussed non-sign specifics such as dumpster-enclosure materials and standards (commissioners suggested clarifying that enclosures must be opaque, not simply “solid” material that could be woven plastic), and landscaping requirements to provide foundation plantings or maintained landscape around permanent monument signs. Staff said they are compiling feedback and will draft recommended language for future meetings.
No formal motions or votes were taken on signage at this meeting. Staff asked commissioners to review the draft language and provide feedback and indicated the edits will be brought back as proposed ordinance language for subsequent review.
