City Proposes Sign and Public Right-of-Way Use Ordinances

The City of Forest Grove has recently released two proposed ordinances for public review.

The Sign Ordinance is based on a similar ordinance in McMinnville, Oregon. It would replace current requirements and addresses certain community and legal issues.  Some general features of the proposed ordinance are as follows: It would allow one temporary (such as a sandwich board) sign per business in commercial districts and would limit permanent signs in commercial areas to be monument and wall signs. Pole signs would not be allowed. There is a provision to amortize nonconforming pole, roof or video signs over an eight year period. This means that, as proposed, the sign must either be brought into conformance or be removed within eight years after adoption of the ordinance.

The Pubic Rights-of-Way Use Ordinance is intended to regulate the placement of objects (temporary or fixed) for private use within the public right-of-way. This can include tables and chairs, temporary signs, newspaper racks and other objects placed within the public rights-of-way. These objects cannot be chained or affixed in any other manner to a light pole, street sign or other street fixture. The ordinance would establish standards where objects can be placed.

An annual permit would be required to place any object in the right-of-way. The ordinance would offer a master permit where a party may have more than one object to be placed in the right-of-way either at one location or multiple locations.

The Planning Commission and City Council continues a work session in August to review the proposed ordinances.  A revised draft will be available for public review and comment prior to adoption hearings this fall.

Both ordinances are available on the City’s Website. Click “What’s Happening”. If you do not have access to the City’s Website, contact the Community Development Department to request a copy. The phone number is (503) 992-3227.