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Commission backs sign-code rewrite to match state law, allow small political signs in park strips
Summary
The planning commission recommended approval of a sign-code update that aligns local rules with state law (including allowing small political signs in park strips with property-owner consent), clarifies seasonal/temporary sign standards, and sets a 14‑day post‑election removal timeline and city procedures for holding or disposing illegally placed signs.
Planning staff presented a sign-code update driven in part by recent state legislation. Key changes include definitions keyed to state law (for example, 'partnership'), allowing small political lawn signs (up to 3 square feet) in park strips when the property owner consents, clarifying seasonal and temporary sign allowances and requiring nightly removal for off‑premise frame signs used for short-term promotions.
Staff also explained the city will retain illegally placed or time‑expired political signs (or accept drop-offs) and will make reasonable efforts to contact owners; if the owner cannot be identified within five business days, the city may dispose of the sign. The amendments align the city’s removal timeframe with state law by giving sign owners up to 14 days after the election to remove political signs.
Commissioners who commented favored the changes as a reasonable alignment with state law and argued the code balances flexibility and local control by retaining design and location limits (for example, prohibiting placement on traffic-control signals). The planning commission voted 5–0 to forward the amendment to council with a minor, typographic edit staff acknowledged.
