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Dayton planners debate restricting commercial signs in city right‑of‑way; item tabled for redraft
Summary
Commissioners discussed content neutrality, enforcement and size/distance rules for temporary signs. The body directed staff to craft amendments that would prohibit commercial signage in the right‑of‑way (with limited realtor exceptions), use a 10‑foot edge‑of‑road test for enforcement and return with draft language; the item was tabled.
A lengthy Planning Commission discussion focused on whether temporary signs should be allowed in the city right‑of‑way and how to distinguish commercial from noncommercial signage.
Commissioners and staff discussed enforceability, where the right‑of‑way line lies and practical alternatives such as measuring distance from the edge of the roadway (a 10‑foot rule). Several commissioners favored banning commercial signage in the right‑of‑way but allowing customary noncommercial signs—garage sales, graduations, lost‑pet notices—and permitting realtor signs under limited conditions.
Commissioner comments emphasized the staff time required to pick up illegal signage and the difficulty of consistent enforcement; staff cited Maple Grove and Champlin ordinances as models that carve out limited allowances (rummage sale time windows, developer signage periods). Commissioners also considered size limits (yard signs in the 18×24 inch range vs. larger plywood signs) and whether large temporary signs should be set farther back from the road.
After discussion, Speaker 4 moved to table the sign ordinance so staff could draft targeted edits and return with specific language; Speaker 3 seconded and the motion carried. Staff will return with an amended draft that clarifies measurement (edge of roadway), content neutrality considerations and an enforcement approach that focuses on commercial signage in the right‑of‑way while preserving common noncommercial uses.
