Council directs attorney to draft ordinance banning off-premise billboards in H1 historic district

City Manager Randy Doreen told the council the Historic District Development Commission (HDDC) voted to ban off-premise signs in the H1 district and asked the council to direct the city attorney to prepare an ordinance to implement that change. “In order for that to be done, the council would have to direct the city attorney to draft that ordinance,” Doreen said.

Why it matters: The change would alter what building owners and businesses can display in the downtown historic zone and is framed by competing priorities: preserving a historic appearance versus giving merchants flexible ways to advertise and fundraise.

Council discussion focused on the difference between permanent signs (metal or wall-mounted signs) and temporary displays like sandwich boards and banners. James Lemon, the city attorney, said the city’s regulations are inconsistent and recommended a detailed memo before a vote: “Our sign ordinances are nightmarish,” he said, offering to bring back a memo and draft ordinance that clarifies current zoning language.

Downtown business representatives and HHMC members urged protections for the historic look and said some signage supports charity events and business promotion; some councilmembers pushed back, asking whether the city should tell owners what they may place on private property.

What the council did: By motion and second, the council directed the city attorney to draft an ordinance for first reading and asked staff for a memo explaining existing zoning rules and where off-premise signage is already prohibited.

Ending: The city attorney will return with a proposed ordinance and explanatory memo for further debate and formal readings.