Wellsville council directs staff to draft sign-code changes to allow limited pole signs near Highway 8991

Mary Anne presented a detailed review of sign codes used by neighboring cities and federal/state rules about off-premise highway signage and recommended allowing limited pole (often called “poll” or freestanding) signs near Highway 8991 for commercial nodes, with controls on distance, height and spacing. She summarized options including a 400–480-foot visibility metric based on Small Business Association guidance and suggested reserving pole signs for commercial/CGC and industrial zones where they would help travelers locate services.

Council discussion focused on several constraints: coordination with UDOT for signs inside the state right-of-way; how to prevent a “flood” of signs up the canyon; whether multi-tenant signs could serve a developing corner parcel (the transcript referred to a site called Sand Patch); and limits on reader-displays for fast-moving traffic. One council member noted the need for spacing and maximum sign area to avoid billboard-like outcomes, and others proposed stricter proximity rules to residential edges.

Mary Anne’s recommendation — to update the sign code, draft an ordinance and send it to planning commission — was seconded and approved; the council asked staff to return with a proposed ordinance that includes distance, height and spacing criteria and to consult with UDOT and regional transportation stakeholders.