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Commission debates sign law overhaul, flag and sandwich‑board rules and enforcement
Summary
Willows commissioners examined a detailed, lengthy sign chapter; they debated allowing flag signs during business hours, sandwich boards, enforcement, sight‑triangle language and the administrative review pathway for simple signs.
The Planning Commission reviewed the code chapter labeled “comprehensive sign law” and discussed possible simplifications, enforcement mechanisms and design standards for temporary signs and flag banners.
The sign chapter includes a detailed chart of allowed sign types by land‑use category, rules for exempt and prohibited signs, and provisions for administrative review so some sign permits can be handled without a planning‑commission hearing. Contract planner Delaney Garlic described many jurisdictions as “overcomplicating” sign rules and suggested the city prioritize on‑the‑ground problems that require change rather than wholesale complexity.
Commissioners focused much of their discussion on “flag” signs — vertical feather flags that businesses use to indicate they are open — and sandwich‑board (A‑frame) signs. Several commissioners said they favor permitting flags for business hours only and requiring flags to be well‑made and removed at night; others warned enforcement capacity is limited and rules that cannot be enforced will not be effective. Commissioners also proposed design guidance so temporary signs “look commercial” rather than homemade.
Sight‑line and safety concerns were raised about specific large signs near intersections, where commissioners said drivers’ visibility is restricted. Staff suggested adding clear vision triangle language to the sign or fence chapters and noted that Caltrans may have separate requirements in its right‑of‑way for signs along state highways.
Staff said nonconforming signs must be corrected or removed within six months of notification; enforcement options listed in the municipal code include notices, fines and abatement. The commission requested staff examine enforcement language and, where practical, move enforcement and penalty language into the sign chapter so sign applicants can easily find notice and penalty rules.
The commission directed staff and the contract planner to return with drafted edits and options to simplify the sign chapter, clarify which signs are eligible for administrative review and strengthen enforceability.
