New P&Z Rules Allow Temporary Commercial Signs

By Andrew Gorosko

Following discussion at a November 5 public hearing, Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) members swiftly approved a new set of commercial sign regulations intended to stimulate local business amid an ongoing economic downturn.

The new rules on temporary signs take effect on November 16, as the holiday shopping season approaches.

The new sign rules are intended to allow various types of temporary commercial signs to advertise businesses.

In October, Chamber of Commerce representatives had 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 had sought to have the P&Z allow local businesses to place commercial signs at curbside to attract customers.

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 then proposed 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. A maximum of four temporary sign permits would be allowed for any single location during any one calendar year.

Beneficial To Business

At the public hearing, Donald Sharpe, representing the Chamber of Commerce of Newtown, Inc, spoke in favor of the new zoning regulations.

“It’s a good [regulation]. It’s not perfect. It solves a problem that needs to be solved and does it in a reasonable way,” Mr Sharpe said.

Robert Rau, chairman of the town’s Economic Development Commission (EDC), said it is important for the town government to demonstrate that it supports local businesses.

The P&Z’s new commercial sign rules create a solution to a business visibility problem, he said, adding that EDC members support the new regulations.

Ann Marie Deweese, who is the chamber’s vice president, said, “Anything we can do to support business right now is a great thing.” Ms Deweese urged that the P&Z hold down the cost of sign permits.

Nicholas Kopcik, the proprietor of NJK Automotive of 75 South Main Street, voiced his support for the new sign regulations, terming the liberalization of the sign rules, “A great idea. Every little bit helps.”

 Don Bates, proprietor of Drug Center Pharmacy at 61 Church Hill Road, said that signs such as those allowed in the new regulations would be beneficial to businesses. Such signage would prove very helpful to small businesses, he said.

In response to a comment made during the public hearing, P&Z member Richard English stressed that the new sign regulations are not intended to advertise home-based businesses.

In unanimously approving the motion that creates the new sign rules, P&Z members agreed that the regulations are consistent with the 2004 Town Plan of Conservation and Development.

P&Z Chairman Lilla Dean explained that the P&Z will monitor how well the new sign rules work. If there are problems with the new regulations, the P&Z would review the topic in a year, she said.

While the P&Z’s new sign rules are not what the chamber had requested, the rules do provide new ways to advertise businesses, according to Ms Dean.

While P&Z members want local businesses to prosper, they also want to have the town maintain its pleasant appearance, Ms Dean has said.