P&Z Hearing on Commercial Sign Rules

 Set For November 5

By Andrew Gorosko

In response to a request from the Chamber of Commerce of Newtown, Inc, the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) is proposing a set of changes to its commercial sign rules intended to allow various types of temporary commercial signs to advertise businesses.

The P&Z has scheduled a public hearing on its proposed commercial sign rule changes for 7:30 pm Thursday, November 5, at the town offices at 31 Pecks Lane.

On October 1, chamber representatives asked P&Z members to create liberalized commercial sign rules in view of the ongoing economic downturn, and in light of the upcoming holiday shopping season.

Through its proposal, the chamber sought to have the P&Z allow local businesses to place commercial signs at curbside to attract customers. In its proposal, the chamber sought a six-month liberalization of the P&Z’s sign regulations.

Potential customers have been unable to locate businesses because some businesses are set back from the road; heavy traffic prevents potential customers from slowing down to scan signs on commercial buildings, according to the business group.

In response to the chamber’s request, the P&Z is proposing a set of sign regulations on the use of “special event temporary signs.” Such signs would be allowed provided that the applicant obtains a “special event temporary sign permit” from the land use agency.

Such temporary signs would include pennants, valances, flags, streamers, inflatable signs, and A-frame signs.

Applicants would be able to display such signs provided that: the zoning enforcement officer issues a permit; a permit would be valid for a maximum of seven days; a grand opening permit would be valid for a maximum of 45 days; signs must be removed within 48 hours after a sales event; signs must not be illuminated; signs may be no larger than 16 square feet in area; and a maximum of four temporary sign permits would be allowed for any single location during any one calendar year.

P&Z Chairman Lilla Dean said that the P&Z’s proposed sign rule changes are not what the chamber had requested, but they do provide new ways to advertise businesses.

While P&Z members want local businesses to prosper, they also want to have the town maintain its pleasant appearance, she noted.