Center Point City Council tables first reading of sign ordinance after enforcement concerns

The Center Point City Council opened a public hearing July 14 on the first reading of Ordinance #517, a proposed sign ordinance, but later voted to table the measure after members raised enforcement and legal concerns.

Council member Nathan Schnell questioned the city’s ability to enforce permit requirements, saying the city "doesn’t have the manpower to enforce the permits" and recommending removal of residential 2-square-foot limits, inspections and fees. Schnell also asked whether businesses could paint or display advertising in storefront windows.

Council member John Stuelke urged caution on time limits for political signs, noting "there is a rule by the court that political signs cannot have a time limit" and advising staff to confirm that legal restriction before making changes. Administrator Sarah Tritle told the council that billboards are limited to one per parcel and must be 1,500 feet from another; Stuelke said billboards should require a variance and expressed opposition to allowing them without review.

No public comments were received in the clerk’s office; the hearing record shows the public hearing closed at 6:30 p.m. The council then moved (Stuelke/Schnell) to TABLE the first reading of Ordinance #517. The motion passed on the record and the council did not advance the ordinance at this meeting.

By tabling the first reading, council members directed staff to further review enforcement mechanics and applicable case law before returning the ordinance for another reading or revision.