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Local businesses, event organizers urge Livermore to revisit temporary sign ban adopted in 2023
Summary
Business groups and event organizers told the council the July 2023 temporary sign policy has unintentionally hurt small businesses and events; council directed staff to conduct outreach and volunteers offered to work on a subcommittee.
Several Livermore residents and business representatives used the Oct. 27 open forum to ask the City Council to reconsider the temporary sign policy adopted in July 2023.
Sherry Souza, representing the Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce, said the ordinance’s prohibition on signs in public rights‑of‑way and limits on temporary signs on private property has had unintended consequences for small businesses, strip malls and event organizers who rely on sandwich boards and temporary signage for visibility. "I would like to request the city council to reevaluate the temporary sign policy that was adopted in July 2023," Souza said.
Other commenters echoed the request: Bill O’Boomrad, who organizes the Little League Intermediate World Series, said event signage is necessary to direct participants and visitors; Sandy Gomes (realtor and resident) and others said open houses, fundraisers and small entrepreneurial efforts are hampered by the ban.
Council response: Vice Mayor Branning asked staff to conduct outreach to collect possible modifications and to report back on next steps; the mayor confirmed two volunteers from public comment (Sherry Souza and Sandy Gomes) had offered to assist a subcommittee. Council did not vote on ordinance changes at the meeting but directed staff outreach.
