Accessibility advisory panel objects to proposed allowance of A-frame signs in parkways

Committee members told staff they remain concerned that a draft city sign ordinance would allow A-frame (frame) signs within parkway areas, even though the committee advised restricting signage to staked signs in non-paved parkways to prevent migration into paths of travel.

Committee member Rasler said the committee had recommended that only staked signs be allowed in parkway areas and that A-frame signs are more likely to "migrate" into pedestrian routes. "Those A-frame signs should not be in any parkway, grass, turf, or otherwise. Just plain and simple," Rasler said.

The committee discussed uncertainty over the ordinance committee’s representation of advisory input. One member said the staff report to council did not clearly articulate the advisory committee’s advice and urged staff to restate those concerns to the ordinance committee. Staff acknowledged the city attorney used information staff provided and that ordinance language can differ from advisory recommendations.

SB Connect and complaint tracking Committee members asked about the City’s SB Connect system and how the committee might access data about right-of-way encroachment complaints. Staff said they can run queries in SB Connect and that downtown parking and public-works staff can respond to immediate sidewalk obstructions when reported.

Next steps Members debated whether to reconvene a special meeting to reframe the committee’s written advice before the ordinance is ratified. Some members said the committee had fulfilled its advisory role and preferred to document concerns in the committee record and pass them on to council rather than reconvene an extra meeting.

Why it matters Committee members said the distinction between types of parkway surfaces (planted, turf, decomposed granite) affects whether signs should be allowed and urged clearer definitions in the ordinance language to preserve continuous paths of travel.