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Council hears draft sign-code update; members ask staff to tighten temporary-sign rules
Summary
Consultants briefed council on a proposed rewrite of the sign ordinance that modernizes categories and adds temporary-sign typologies; councilmembers asked staff to add stronger guardrails for contractor and balloon signs.
Consultants and planning staff presented a comprehensive rewrite of Chapter 156 (sign regulations) on May 13, explaining a shift from future-land-use-based rules to zoning-district-based, content-neutral sign typologies and the addition of a sign-master-plan process for larger developments.
Daniel Harrison, consultant, said the redraft includes graphics, clarified permanent-sign standards, an alternative-compliance pathway for design flexibility and new, defined temporary-sign types (sidewalk signs, attached banners, detached banners, grand-opening flags, balloons and real-estate/home-builder signage) with duration limits. The draft limits many temporary signs to either 90 consecutive days per year or 30 consecutive days three times a year; some categories (balloon signs, event banners) have a 30-day-per-year limit.
Councilmembers raised concerns that the current temporary-sign draft could allow contractor yard signs or balloon/flag displays to persist unacceptably long (90 days). Members asked staff to craft clearer guardrails—such as tying contractor signs to active permits, shorter allowed durations for contractor/roofer signs, and ensure maintenance/enforcement provisions so blown or damaged signs do not become nuisances. Staff agreed to refine language and check for conflicts with state rules (political signs, etc.) before returning with an ordinance for adoption.
Why it matters: Sign rules affect small-business visibility, neighborhood aesthetics and public safety. The proposed code is intended to be more transparent and easier for staff and applicants to administer while reducing unnecessary variance applications.
What's next: Staff and the consultant will revise the temporary-sign provisions in response to council feedback and proceed through legal review and the formal adoption process.
