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James Island planning panel recommends new definition, time limit for 'snipe' signs
Summary
The James Island Planning Commission on Feb. 13 recommended an amendment that defines "snipe signs," allows small signs for civic and institutional uses only, requires removal within 10 days, and requires permits for signs larger than 12 square feet.
The James Island Planning Commission voted on Feb. 13 to recommend an amendment to the town's zoning and land-development regulations to define "snipe signs" and limit their use.
The amendment would explicitly define snipe signs as the small, ground-poked signs commonly seen along rights-of-way; it would allow signs under 12 square feet for civic or institutional uses without a zoning permit so long as they are removed within 10 consecutive days, and it would require a zoning permit for signs larger than 12 square feet.
Kristen Crane, planning director, said the change is mostly a clarification long implied by practice: "Signs less than 12 square feet do not require a zoning permit. All snipe signs shall be removed no later than 10 consecutive days after being installed and are only allowed for civic and institutional uses." Crane noted the amendment follows existing distinctions the town makes for reader boards used by churches and schools.
Commissioners asked about enforcement. Crane said the town's code enforcement officer, James, removes illegal signs and holds them for a limited period for owners to pick up; if they remain, the town disposes of them. Crane said staff could pursue fines for repeat violations, but that routine enforcement has been removal and disposal. "Right now, we have our code enforcement officer who would pull all the signs, and then we keep them here," she said.
Commission discussion also noted ordinary commercial uses (for example, sandwich boards and temporary banners) remain allowed under other standards; the amendment targets roadside "poke-in-the-ground" signs that staff and commissioners described as an aesthetic and maintenance problem when used for repeated commercial advertising.
The commission approved forwarding the amendment as its recommendation to the town council. Town staff said the council will receive the planning commission's recommendation at its Feb. 28 meeting; a public hearing and second reading were scheduled for the council's March 20 meeting.
Less urgent meeting business included scheduling and other agenda items; the commission closed the item after the vote.
