Bluff planning commission approves Sweetwater Market sign permit, flags sign-ordinance confusion

The Bluff Planning and Zoning Commission on June 4 approved a sign permit for Sweetwater Market, contingent on payment of the permit fee and separate permitting for a neon "open" sign estimated to be about six square feet.

Brian Whitney moved to approve the 3-by-12-foot building-mounted sign application submitted by Andrea Martin and presented by Kelly Martin; Marcia Hadenfeldt seconded. The commission voted in favor with four yes votes, none opposed. Chair Malia Collins said she will sign the permit and provide it after the fee is paid.

Erin Nelson, attending virtually, clarified the application of the sign ordinance, saying, "signs that are four (4) square feet or less are exempt and do not require a permit; signs over four (4) square feet require a permit." Commissioners used Nelson's clarification to note that the neon "open" sign Mr. Martin estimated at about six square feet would require a separate sign permit if it is permanent.

Commissioners discussed related ordinance issues after the vote. They said the sign ordinance currently contains two tables and cross-references that create confusion for property owners and that the ordinance does not define "temporary sign," contrary to earlier intentions to include a definition. Commissioners agreed the ordinance should be revisited and that public education on sign compliance will be necessary, particularly to clarify how the sign ordinance intersects with the town's dark-sky provisions for illuminated signs.

Next steps: Collins will sign the approved permit after the applicant pays the fee; the commission plans to take up broader sign-ordinance edits after work on the zoning-code revision.