Title
Sign Code Update Public Participation Plan
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss the draft public participation plan for the sign code update and provide guidance. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss on the draft public participation plan for the sign code update.
Staff Contact:
Joyce Phillips, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.3722
Presenter(s):
Joyce Phillips, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia has not updated its sign code in several years. The existing sign code can be confusing to understand by businesses and the public, and can be challenging to administer for city staff. The Community Planning and Development (CP&D) Department had been considering updating the sign code for several years in order to increase clarity.
In June 2015, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision related to temporary signs in the Reed et al v. Town of Gilbert, Arizona (Reed v. Gilbert) case, which provided direction to cities, towns, and counties regarding regulation of signs, particularly for temporary signs, in regard to content and freedom of speech. Because of the Supreme Court ruling it is imperative that the City of Olympia update or rewrite its sign code. In addition, there have been changes in the sign industry and newer types of signs are becoming more common. The City of Olympia should consider these signs and determine how to address them.
The updated sign code will be streamlined and simplified and will address related court cases. A Request for Proposals has been issued for a consultant with expertise to assist City staff on certain aspects of the sign code update.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Sign codes usually include a wide variety of interests, some of which are summarized here. Businesses often want ample and clearly visible signs to direct customers to their store or office. They may want opportunities to increase signs for events such as grand openings, new management, sales, or the like. Businesses also want the sign code to treat businesses equally so that their competitors have the same rules to follow. Additionally, businesses located near the city boundary do not want businesses in close proximity to them, but in different jurisdictions, to have an advantage over them because of more lenient sign codes.
The public often wants adequate signage in order to find the businesses they seek. However, some people are concerned about too much signage (sign clutter), sign quality, sign content, and placement. Certain types of signs such as sandwich board signs or projecting signs require certain standards be in place to ensure adequate space is maintained to allow for safe passage of people on sidewalks.
Other interests include safety measures, such as ensuring signs are structurally sound and meet building and electrical code requirements, are placed outside of sight-distance needs for drivers and bicyclists to provide for safe turning movements, and that the signs do not potentially confuse or distract people by appearing to be traffic signs or signs with movement.
Options:
N/A
Financial Impact:
This planning process fits within the existing budget and staff resources of the Community Planning and Development Department.
Attachments:
Public Participation Plan
Project Webpage