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Commission backs window-signage change to improve visibility and safety on Main Street
Summary
The commission recommended Ordinance 2602, which would require merchandise and fixtures within five feet of first-floor storefront windows to be set back to preserve visibility (complements existing 25% window-signage rule); staff plans an education-first enforcement approach with distributed booklets.
Planning staff presented Ordinance 2602 to address storefront visual obstructions and improve pedestrian and police visibility. The amendment would add a rule that merchandise, shelving and similar fixtures within five feet of a first-floor street-facing window be set back so that windows are not substantially covered.
Staff described the change as an extension of the municipality's existing 25% window-signage limit: "Merchandise, shelving, fixtures, and similar items located within five feet of that first floor window... must be away from that window about five feet," the planning staff member said. Staff emphasized the public-safety rationale and said the measure is intended to improve natural surveillance from pedestrians and passing vehicles and assist police situational awareness.
The department told commissioners it will prioritize education and outreach before punitive enforcement: staff prepared a booklet demonstrating the 25% rule and plans to distribute it to businesses and make it available at municipal hall. Commissioners and staff discussed outreach mechanics (targeting tenants, landlords and block-level education) and whether enforcement should be directed at current tenants or property owners; staff said they would consider including property owners in outreach and noted additional implementation details would be developed when the ordinance rolls out.
The commission moved, seconded and voted to recommend Ordinance 2602 to council.
