Controversial sign ordinance modified
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The decision came after Alderman Michael Chrisawn, who sat in on the meeting, said, ?I don?t care what businesses put on their window. If they want to fill it up with signs, that?s OK with me.?
However, C1, R5 and H1 districts are still limited to having only 25 percent of their window area covered by signs.
The Regional Planning Commission has been in the hot seat for the past few months. During that span, members have been accused of being unfair to small businesses as well as being too picky and too restrictive ? allegations the commission denies.
?What we are trying to encourage is maintenance,? said city planner Jack Qualls. ?We are trying to reduce visual blight within the city.?
Among the many restrictions in the proposed sign ordinance are those regarding real estate and political signs.
On-premise and off-premise real estate signs cannot exceed 32 square feet in sign face area which advertise for the sale, rental or auction of land or building. These signs cannot be illuminated and no more than 6 feet in height. Off-premise signs are limited to 30 days. Residential signs are limited to 4 square feet. These signs do not require a permit.
Political signs can be displayed on private property with the property owner?s consent, no closer than 10 feet from the pavement or sidewalk and limited to 30 days. Signs larger than 32 square feet and/or attached to any wall and/or utilize electricity will need a permit. Signs in a residential area are limited to 4 square feet.
In light of the latest election, the sign ordinance also restricts vehicle or trailer signs:
The parking or placing of vehicle or trailer signs which display a message and are used to attract attention on a public right of way are prohibited, even if the vehicle is placed on private property. No vehicle or trailer sign can be parked or placed off or away from the premise that owns it except during the normal course of business, such as deliveries, picking up merchandise or service calls. When parked on premise, the vehicle or trailer must be parked or placed in a designated parking space. Signs that advertise the sale or lease of the vehicle are exempt.
These are not the only restrictions within the 22-page ordinance. For a copy of the proposed ordinance, please contact Planning and Zoning at 473-1204. A fee may be charged.
As before, permit fees for signs will vary. Within the new ordinance, failure to obtain a permit will result in double the permit fee. Planning and zoning must be notified of any modification to existing signs.
The ordinance has been sent to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for its consideration. With three McMinnville Aldermen Jimmy Haley, Bobby Kirby and Michael Chrisawn seeking second terms in their positions in November, restrictions on political signs might be an uphill battle. The ordinance will have to pass two readings.
This ordinance will not affect permanent signs legally existing at the time of the passage of this ordinance. If existing signs are abandoned, damaged or removed by owner, they will then fall under the new ordinance.