Lexington staff invites feedback after stakeholder meetings on sign ordinance

Town of Lexington planning staff reported that three stakeholder meetings were held to gather input on a review of the town sign ordinance and that a public survey is available on the town website and Facebook page.

Jessica, a town staff member, told the Board of Zoning Appeals that meetings were held this week for three groups: in-town business owners (midday session), sign contractors (afternoon session) and residents (evening session). Staff reported roughly 12 business-owner attendees, three sign contractors and about five residents at the sessions and said the online survey had received roughly 10 responses so far.

Staff said the survey asks respondents to identify whether they are an in-town resident, an in-town business owner or a sign contractor so the town can separate feedback by stakeholder group. Officials invited written comments by email and said survey results and stakeholder input will be taken to a planning commission work session; proposed ordinance changes would then go before town council in public hearings and two readings.

Staff encouraged board members and residents to participate in the outreach process and noted the planning commission and council steps before any ordinance changes would take effect. The board was also told staff will contact the municipal association to schedule orientation and training for board members.

Clarifying details taken from the hearing include the meeting attendance figures and early survey responses; the staff noted the survey link is posted on the town website and Facebook, and that respondents should self-identify their stakeholder category.