Council directs staff to craft clearer pole‑sign standards for growing development areas

At the request of a council member, the council discussed pole (pole) signs used by new developments and recent growth areas. Community development director Rocky Hinkle reviewed current code language and explained that pole signs are allowed in many commercial and industrial zoning districts but require masonry wrapping at the base in new installations.

Councilors raised aesthetic concerns, asked for clearer dimensions and rules for masonry bases, and suggested coordinated visual approaches (for example, painting poles a uniform color or using consolidated multi‑tenant signs rather than multiple poles). They also asked staff to address A‑frame/sandwich-board sign placement and ADA sidewalk clearance. Hinkle said staff will add the ideas to a list of ordinance tweaks, coordinate with sign contractors and bring recommendations through the Planning Commission to council, with a goal of returning in early next year for formal action.

No ordinance was adopted tonight; council gave direction to staff to draft options and return for the planning review process.