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Bedford board advances broad overhaul of town sign code, refers draft to planning board
Summary
Town board reviewed a proposed rewrite of Bedford's decades-old sign code to clarify permits, add temporary-sign exemptions, set window-coverage limits, address murals and limit neon and awning signage; the board will send a draft to the planning board and schedule a public hearing.
The Town Board of Bedford reviewed a proposed overhaul of the town’s sign code and agreed to refer a draft to the planning board for review and a future public hearing.
Board member Ellen outlined a series of concepts intended to modernize rules that have been in place since the 1980s, saying the update aims to support local businesses while preserving community aesthetics. She told the board the draft would clarify when permits are required, allow simpler application sketches for many projects instead of full property surveys, and introduce maintenance standards for signs.
The draft would create an annual permit pathway for sandwich-board signs in commercial areas that requires property-owner affirmation of ADA compliance and liability insurance, and would distinguish between permanent and temporary window signage with percentage limits for coverage. It also proposes exempting small decals on fuel tanks within size and placement limits to reduce variance requests, and expanding allowable flag sizes. The board discussed adding standards and an approval process for murals and wall art, which would likely require additional review. "We want to support businesses while preserving the aesthetic of our hamlets," Ellen said.
Town attorney Eric advised the board the local-law format and a redlined version of current rules would need to be prepared before referral. Board members said the planning board’s review and public comment will be key; the planning board will likely propose changes before the town board schedules a public hearing. "We’ll prepare the local law and circulate it so we can set a public hearing in July," Eric said.
Board members said the draft also considers different standards for walkable hamlet zones versus roadside commercial corridors, and discussed limiting the number or hours of neon signage and clarifying when awning or projecting signs must seek permits. Members emphasized careful calibration of rules so small businesses are not unduly burdened by costly surveys or red tape.
The board agreed to revise the draft with input from the building inspector and then forward it to the planning board for more detailed review and a public hearing schedule.
