Title
Sign Code Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive the update. Briefing only; No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive an update on the draft sign code.
Staff Contact:
Joyce Phillips, Senior Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.3722
Presenter(s):
Leonard Bauer, Deputy Director, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8206
Background and Analysis:
Work to update the sign code began late in 2016. The sign code needs to be updated to address pertinent court cases, most specifically the US Supreme Court Case of Reed v. Town of Gilbert, Arizona and a Ninth District Court holding that the Reed case does not extend to Commercial Speech. However, the City has other interests in updating the sign code such as simplifying and streamlining the code and addressing new and emerging sign types.
An advisory committee was formed to help identify policy issues that should be addressed and consider potential options. The group was purposefully made up of people with diverse interests and opinions regarding signage. The group has considered commercial and non-commercial speech, temporary and permanent signs, and how to best address issues in a content neutral manner.
The group has met seven times, most recently on April 4, 2018. The last meeting focused on draft code language and suggestions for changes before a public draft is released. Draft code revisions are underway.
Later this spring a public draft will be released. Non-project environmental review, legal review, and public outreach will be needed before a public hearing is scheduled.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There are neighborhood and community interests regarding signage. A few members of the community or business owners have attended the advisory committee meetings or submitted comments via email over the past year. It is anticipated that once a public draft is m...
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