Leander council hears business complaints on sign visibility; staff to ease promotional permit timing and outreach

Small-business owners told the Leander City Council on Aug. 7 that existing sign regulations limit their ability to reach customers along busy roadways, particularly Ronald Reagan Boulevard and U.S. Highway 183. After public testimony and a staff presentation, council directed staff to modify the promotional sign package timelines, improve outreach to businesses about new options, and investigate specific right-of-way placement questions.

Two business owners — Dino Balara of Chuck’s Burgers and Brandon Blevins (restaurant owner) — addressed the council during the public comment period for the sign-ordinance review. Balara told the council that current temporary and permanent sign allowances are “simply too small to be effective” on roadways with 60 mph speed limits and urged changes that reflect how drivers experience the city. Blevins used photographs to show how landscaping and existing pylon signs can obstruct visibility for…