Adrian commission tables zoning changes for temporary signs and flags after broad concerns

Mayor Angela Soreheath opened a lengthy discussion on proposed amendments to Article 6, Division 7 of the Adrian zoning ordinance that would restrict temporary signs and flags in nonresidential areas. City Administrator Chad Baugh and planning staff explained the proposed changes and said they were intended to address commercial signage placed in rights-of-way and at intersections.

Residents and planning commissioners urged caution. Jennifer Hunter, speaking for the Adrian Dominican Sisters, asked how the rule would affect community support signs such as the "Love Your Neighbor" campaign and whether enforcement would be practical. Planning commission members and Commissioner Behnke (functional label used as in transcript) repeatedly cautioned that the proposed language could unintentionally bar common residential displays such as graduation and support banners and that enforcement could be inconsistent.

Commissioners discussed whether sign rules belong in the zoning code or in a separate regulatory ordinance that would be easier to adjust and enforce. The city attorney advised that amending an ordinance is similar to enacting one and carries publication and cost implications; the attorney recommended removing non-clerical sign changes if the commission wished to avoid a larger, more contentious amendment tonight.

Several commissioners suggested removing flags and temporary signs from the omnibus zoning resolution and returning with clearer, narrower language. Commissioner Cheshire moved to table Ordinance No. 26-002; Commissioner Zeich seconded. The motion passed on a unanimous roll-call vote, and the commission asked staff and the planning commission to reconvene with firmer, more narrowly tailored language and public outreach prior to returning the matter for consideration.