Ordinance Restricting Business Signs Relaxed

Responding to complaints from businesses that the city’s sign ordinance is too restrictive, the City Council this week decided to relax the regulations.

The changes include:

* Permitting internally lighted signs--the plastic, boxed kind commonly seen near malls-- everywhere except in the historic town center. The signs must be made of natural or natural-looking material and only the letters may be lit at night.

* All lighted signs will now be allowed to stay on after closing hours.

* Auto dealerships can now install monument signs up to 25 feet high, with other businesses still restricted to a 6-foot height limit.

The changes were recommended by a business task force last year and later reviewed by a citizens advisory committee before they came before the council Tuesday. City officials hope the revised ordinance will help businesses attract more customers.

Councilwoman Carolyn Nash, who voted against the plan because of the provision allowing internally lighted signs, called the council’s decision “shortsighted and detrimental.”

“Nothing can destroy the unique character of a community faster than signs,” Nash said. “Eventually, we will be just another duplicate, commercial community.”