Council approves substitute sign ordinance; short-term limits set for yard signs and political-sign removal

The Chattanooga City Council approved an alternate version of the city's sign ordinance on April 1 that defines yard signs and sets time limits for their display, while preserving a distinct treatment for political signs.

Under the substitute motion moved by Councilman Ledford and approved by voice vote, the ordinance language reads that all yard signs "including but not limited to garage sales, temporary signs for construction or real estate purposes, and sports leagues," and excluding political signs, "shall be limited to 15 days before and no more than 30 days following the event." Political signs are separately addressed: they must be removed within 15 days after the election to which they refer, and may remain only if they remain valid for the next general election.

Council members discussed an earlier drafting confusion about whether political signs were included in the temporary-yard-sign timing; staff confirmed political signs were intended to be treated separately and excluded from any permit fee provisions under the code. Council asked staff to provide the alternate text on a revised agenda so that the substitute version could be adopted at first reading.

The substitute carried on a recorded voice vote with no opposition noted at the meeting.