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...
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