1999 Planning Commission Packets

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TJP A.ri'�N� �' � �I�N Il�AN�E ��r�r�o�ucTio� The sign ardina.nce is one of the most complex, diffcult, and emotional issues a community can undertake to overhaul. It is complex because there are so many different types of signage and so many different functions signs perform. Difficult because there are so many different issues to address and so many peopie to please. And emotional because the right of a business, organization, or an individual to express him-, her-, or iiself, and fo communicate their existence atid message to the larger community is seen as a sacred right, and tampering with it an unholy interference. Or, canversely, the right of residents to have their horizon free of any visual clutter is also a sacred right. Our fust advice: tread carefully and thoughtfuily on the path to sign ordinance refonn. � :. � �. �, �; '- - ��; ,� �. . � , �� As with any zorung issue, if there is no problem, don't fix it. But if there are constant complaints from business owners thai they can't get enough signage, fhat their competitors have an unfair advantage, or that church staff can't advertise their Spring bzealtfast or their Sunday school classes without a ream of government paperwork, or if community members are beating down the doors of City/Town I�Eall compiaining about the visuai blight from signs on Main Street or the neon glare on the Yughway, then you should cansider reviewing the sign ordinance xegulatians. The sign ordinance is largely an aesthetic issue, so as a community considers other ordinances tied to community aesthetic standards, such as lar�dscaping and building materials, a review of signage issues may not be far behind. What was acceptabie in 1.950 or 1970 may not be at all appropriate today cozzsidering the size, shape, and character of the community• Times change and so do zoning standards. � ;� ...,.�. .,�. �; . � � • ��y :. 1. Pacic a l�nch< Experience in a number of communities suggests thai there is no quick way to address the sign ordinance well. It is a matter for several months of intense work, if not a year or more. To address all the issues, hear all the concerns and craft an ordinance that is clear, consistent and fair, takes times. 2, Identi at�d involve the stak� laoider°s. Know who is involved and how. A comznunity xnight take a survey of business owners and r�sidents to f�el out signage issues. You mighi corasult 4he locat Chamber of Commerce, neighborhood organizations, service clubs, church groups, eic. If a city 4 � __. ;