Lompoc Council approves sign code change allowing feather flags for large developments in 3–2 vote

The Lompoc City Council voted 3–2 to approve amendments to the city’s sign ordinance that allow temporary ‘‘feather’’ flags and broaden tenant facade signage for development sites that are one acre or larger.

Planning staff introduced the change as a clarification to temporary sign rules and to permit tenants in multi-tenant buildings to have signs on each facade. Planning staff noted the code change was intended to allow developers of larger projects — such as the River Terrace subdivision — to use temporary advertising that the current code effectively prohibited.

Developer representative Mike Badner of Williams Homes told the council that temporary banners and flags help customers find sales offices on large, setback parcels and that the developer’s signs are generally located on private project property rather than in the public right-of-way. "We do need some type of temporary signage program allowed by the city right now," Badner said during public comment.

Council discussion focused on two competing concerns: fairness to small businesses and trim public-safety risks. Supporters, led by Councilmember Vega, said the amendment would help economic development and clarify ambiguous language. Opponents, including Mayor Jim Mosby and Councilmember Bridge, said the city previously restricted feather flags because they can distract drivers and that allowing them only for larger developments could be discriminatory against small businesses.

Code-enforcement staff told the council they had identified about six prior instances of feather flags in violation of the code and contacted businesses without having to issue citations. Councilmembers asked about enforcement options and equitable application of rules; several suggested that a broader, citywide allowance would create a visual clutter problem.

Despite the objections, the motion to adopt the amendment passed 3–2. The vote followed staff’s recommendation to introduce Ordinance No. 745 (2026) by first reading with further reading waived and to add temporary-sign standards for construction and subdivision sites.

The ordinance decision is effective per the city’s standard adoption procedures; staff said they will prepare any necessary implementation materials and enforcement guidance. Mayor Pro Tem Dirk Starbuck recused from a separate, related consent item because he owns property within 500 feet of a downtown parking lot project; his recusal did not affect the sign ordinance vote.

What’s next: Staff will update permitting guidance and the planning division will coordinate with code enforcement on signage enforcement and potential exemptions for waivers or time-limited allowances. The council did not adopt immediate exemptions for small businesses; questions about waivers and enforcement thresholds were left to staff for follow-up.