Forsyth County staff recommends larger park entrance signs for new 200‑acre park

Dan Roberts, the county project planner, presented UDO CC‑30 at the Nov. 17 briefing to amend the sign regulations so parks and recreation areas 100 acres or larger may have freestanding signs up to 75 square feet. Roberts said the county is developing a new ~200‑acre agriculture and recreation park north of Tobacco Veil; the park entrance is in RS‑20 zoning, which currently limits on‑premise ground sign area to 18 square feet. He said planning staff supports expanding the provision used for parks larger than 1,000 acres to include parks of 100 acres or more so visitors can find the facility safely.

Roberts told commissioners the planning board considered the item Oct. 9, heard no speakers in opposition and voted unanimously to recommend approval. Commissioners asked whether the change represents about a fivefold increase in sign area (from 18 to 75 square feet) and whether aesthetics were considered; Roberts said the planning board did not discuss aesthetics and that the ordinance does not currently distinguish electronic vs non‑electronic signs. A commissioner requested that staff prepare separate language to limit eligibility to non‑electronic signage if the board desires that restriction.

Chris Murphy (staff) later clarified that the county sign ordinance prohibits internally illuminated signs in certain zoning districts unless the sign existed as of 04/26/1993; an electronic message board is considered internally illuminated and would not be permitted at the park absent a grandfathering provision.