Coupeville business owners, residents press planning commission to revise sign code and enforcement

Business owners and residents urged the Coupeville Town Planning Commission on June 3 to revise local sign rules and make enforcement and appeal processes clearer after several small businesses received citations.

Speakers described long-standing signs and small, movable signs that they say help customers find businesses set back from Main Street. “The message board was in place for over three years, and we were unaware that it violated any sign or ordinance,” said Will Hawkins, who identified himself as an owner at Rain Shadow Nursery. Hawkins said customers had stopped by because the board confirmed the business was open.

The issue drew a series of public comments from business owners and nearby residents. Susan McClellan, who lives on South Main Street, said the sign had helped keep customers informed of hours and specials and asked the town to work with businesses “to come to decisions that satisfy all parties involved.” Pamela Cornell, who said she owns Lavender Wind in Coupeville Village, described being surprised to receive a removal notice and said the loss of the sign immediately reduced foot traffic.

Planning staff…