03-14-2002 Planning Comm. Agenda

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3. Maintenance. Many communities have noted that maintenance of the bench, sign message, and the area around the bench can become an issue. Some communities require a regular maintenance schedule for litter removal to be provided by the bench company. The bench should be connected to the ground in some manner to deter vandalism. 4. Site Improvements. Of the communities that allow these facilities, most have a requirement for a paved surtace underneath the bench. Transit stop facilities that are a part of the Metro Transit system often include shelters. 5. Number. Ordinances allowing bus stop bench signs usually limit the number at any one location (most often to one bench), and sometimes, include a minimum spacing distance. This raises an issue of how competing companies would get priority for a particular location. 6. Size. Most communities will include a size limitation on bench signs. The typical size is 42 inches high, 30 inches deep, and 7 feet in length. 7. Financial Security and Fees. Some communities include a requirement for a financial security, and most require a fee. Some of these communities also have a requirement for proof of insurance, and a "Hold Harmless" agreement with the City in the event the bench is involved in a crash or other incident. 8. Enforcement. The City needs to reserve the right to remove the bench sign if it finds that the bench no longer complies with the requirements, or becomes a danger or nuisance in some other way. There are a number of communities that do not permit these types of bench signs. Alternatives to the privately provided bench signs are no benches, require a shelter in addition to, or in lieu of a bench, or allow benches without advertising. The latter option is common where the City or other private sponsor agrees to provide the bus stop bench, and the City maintains the area. Planning staff is generally not favorable to these signs. It is not clear how bench signs should be permitted to have off-site advertising within the public right of way, whereas other such signs would not be allowed. While bus stop benches are clearly a public service, we would encourage public sponsorship of these benches (or some form of private sponsorship that does not involve advertising). Similar requests could be made for waste receptacles or other types of street furniture.