New Sign and Right-of-Way Codes

The City Council at their meeting on November 23, 2009, adopted new Sign and Right-of-Way ordinances.

The Sign Code will replace current requirements in the Development Code. The most significant changes to current requirements is to allow sandwich board signs on individual properties, establish standards for video signs and clarify allowed signage in residential areas.

The Right-of-Way Ordinance replaces the sidewalk permit and newspaper receptacle provisions in the Municipal Code. It will require a permit to place any object such as a newspaper rack, street furniture and signs in the public right-of-way. With the exception of newspaper racks and other vending machines, objects can only be placed in the public right-of-way adjacent to the property intended for the object. The Engineering Department will implement this ordinance. While currently prohibited, garage sale and other type of small signs typically found in residential areas will be allowed without the need for a permit. However, these signs cannot be placed on public improvements such as traffic signs, light or utility poles, or street trees found in the public right-of-way.

These ordinances will go into effect on December 23, 2009. The City will be embarking on an education program for 6 months and another 3 months with reminder notices before enforcement would begin. A complete copy of both ordinances can be found on the City’s website. For further information, contact James Reitz in Community Development at (503) 992-3233.