Commission to pursue ordinance and outreach for downtown signage enforcement

Commissioners discussed next steps on downtown signage enforcement and outreach to businesses after noting recurring noncompliant signs and displays. The permitting official said enforcement is complicated by current code language but offered to help with information and mapping; commissioners agreed to draft a letter or ordinance and to schedule the item for a future agenda if needed.

The permitting official cautioned that code language can limit enforcement: "That could be helpful, but I know that there are some difficulties written within code that makes it difficult to enforce," the permitting official said. Commissioners suggested assembling a draft letter and bringing it to a publicly noticed meeting or scheduling a work session to write the ordinance so the public can comment. They also raised the issue of novelty and decorative items—such as stuffed animals—placed on boardwalks and storefronts and suggested including those items in guidance to businesses.

The commission asked staff to check civic-affairs committee activity on related items and to return with a proposed timeline or draft ahead of the next meeting in late September.