Buena Park to Ease Policy on Temporary Signs

The city plans to lengthen the period in which temporary business signs may be displayed without violating the sign ordinance.

The City Council last week decided to order the Planning Commission to draft a policy that would make permits for temporary signs good for 90 days rather than 30.

Newly seated Councilwoman Patsy Marshall told her colleagues she wanted to make good on her campaign pledges and give a break to local businesses during the recession. She was asked many times during her campaign walks why the city only allowed temporary signs to be displayed for 30 days, she said.

Marshall suggested a moratorium on enforcing the ordinance until the economy picks up, but her fellow council members were less than enthusiastic about the idea.

“I am not in favor of advertising that there is a moratorium on signs in Buena Park,” said Councilman Donald L. Bone. He advised that they change the ordinance rather than drop enforcement.

Rick Warsinski, assistant director of development services, said the city has been reorganizing code enforcement anyway.

“This is a very low priority,” he said of the sign ordinance.

Mayor Don R. Griffin said he would favor being lenient for up to 90 days, but he would not condone a continuous renewal of temporary sign applications.