Kissimmee advisory board recommends amended sign code, removes 12‑month real‑estate sign allowance

Ashley Cornellson, a long‑range planner with Development Services, told the Kissimmee Planning Advisory Board on Wednesday that proposed amendments to Land Development Code chapters 14‑2 (definitions) and 14‑11 (signs) are intended to make the rules content neutral and easier to use.

“We have standards for garage sale signs within our land development code…based on [the Supreme Court] determination, that is no longer allowed,” Cornellson said, and staff will convert specific categories such as “garage sale” into a more general “yard sign” category while continuing to regulate size, material and location. She said the revisions also consolidate standards spread across the downtown CRA overlay, the Vine Street overlay and the general sign code, and include more imagery to help business owners and the public navigate requirements.

Board members praised the cleanup but raised practical concerns about usability and enforcement. One member asked whether a small business owner could figure out, without staff help, whether a 4‑by‑6 illuminated wall sign would be permitted. Cornellson said staff assistance is available during permitting and that the proposed code adds clarity and visuals to reduce confusion.

The board spent substantial time on time limits for temporary and yard signs. Under the current table on page 14‑11‑24, the draft code included a 3‑month general limit but also a separate paragraph allowing properties offered for rent or sale to display a sign for up to 12 months. Members expressed concern that the 12‑month rule could be difficult to track and selectively enforced.

Member Alex moved to amend the table to remove the paragraph permitting real‑estate signs for up to 12 months; the motion was seconded on the record by John Aguayo. Alex stated the motion on the record: “My motion is to amend the sign code to strike the paragraph that says properties offered for rent or sale may display the sign for up to 12 months or until the property is rented, sold, whichever is less.” Ashley Cornellson told the board that removing the 12‑month paragraph would leave the 3‑month general limit in place and that political sign rules would remain separate.

The board voted in favor of the amendment; the chair called the ayes and the motion passed unanimously (the transcript does not include a roll‑call tally). The board then voted to recommend adoption of the amended sign code to the City Commission; that motion also passed unanimously.

During the discussion members suggested adding a short “how to” or step‑by‑step guidance on the front of the sign standards and posting supplemental explanatory guidance on the city website, which staff supported. The code will retain enforcement options for non‑permitted or abandoned signs, and staff noted code enforcement typically exercises discretion and can work with property owners in specific circumstances.

Cornellson asked the board to note that minor typographical edits will be made before the ordinance goes to first reading at City Commission and that consultants who helped prepare the draft (Inspire) are available for follow‑up questions. The board’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Commission for formal consideration.

The meeting record also includes a citation read during discussion—recorded in the transcript as “section 1061435 Florida statute” regarding removal of political campaign advertisements; the transcript’s citation was garbled and staff should confirm the exact statutory reference before the ordinance packet is prepared.

The board adjourned after concluding the sign code recommendation.