P&Z Liberalizes Rules On Temporary Signs

By Andrew Gorosko

Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) members have liberalized the zoning regulations on the posting of temporary commercial signs by local businesses intended to advertise retail sales.

In a discussion among P&Z members after a July 7 public hearing on the subject, which no members of the public attended, P&Z members unanimously approved relaxing the temporary sign rules to allow business owners to apply for six temporary sign permits per year, rather than the previously allowed four permits, among other sign rule changes.

The rule changes on temporary signs approved by the P&Z on July 7 modify the original regulations approved by the panel in November 2009.

The revised sign regulations specify that temporary signs that advertise sales by for-profit businesses may only be posted at the business’s location. Also, the number of such temporary signs posted there is limited to two signs.

The rules now also cover temporary signs posted by nonprofit organizations. Permanent nonprofit organizations within town may place one temporary sign on a lot with the permission of the lot’s owner. A maximum of 20 such signs would be allowed per nonprofit event.

To post temporary signs, applicants must receive a “special temporary sign permit.” Such permits are valid for a maximum of seven days. Grand opening sign permits are valid for a maximum 45 days. Signs must be removed within 48 hours of a permit’s expiration. Such signs cannot be illuminated. The maximum allowable size of a temporary sign is 16 square feet.

In a discussion among P&Z members before they voted on the revised temporary sign rules, P&Z member Michael Porco, Sr, said that the town’s enforcement of its sign regulations appears to be inconsistent, with certain sign rules strictly enforced and other sign rules not enforced.

Mr Porco, a Sandy Hook businessman and builder, said that local businesses should not be chastised for seeking to conduct business by posting advertising signage.

“We’re not helping these business owners,” he said.

Mr Porco said he does not want to see too many commercial signs posted, but added that local businesses are struggling under adverse economic conditions.

P&Z Chairman Lilla Dean said the revised temporary sign rules will be helpful to local businesses.

When temporary signs are posted for too long a period, they lose their effectiveness and people tend not to notice them, she said.

Ms Dean stressed that she doubts that the presence of temporary signs would “make or break” local businesses.

However, Mr Porco said that temporary signs posted along roadways near businesses are effective advertising devices that can account for almost a third of a firm’s business.

Mr Porco said the revised temporary sign rules amount to a “good start.”

Ms Dean observed that through the sign regulations, she is seeking to avoid allowing “visual clutter” to occur. The presence of too many signs is not attractive, she said. 

George Benson, director of planning and land use, said the P&Z does not have the authority to control the appearance of given signs, but does have the authority to limit the number of signs that can be posted and those signs’ locations.

Regulating the use of commercial signs is not easy, he said. Some businesses simply post signage before consulting with land use officials on its permissibility, he said.

Ms Dean noted that the revised temporary sign rules are more liberal than the rules which had been in effect, adding that the P&Z wants to help businesses succeed.

“This is better than what we had,” said P&Z member Dennis Bloom.

Mr Porco said he had expected that local business owners would attend the July 7 P&Z session to discuss the sign regulations, but they did not show up for the meeting.

Ms Dean said P&Z members should also review the zoning regulations concerning the posting of permanent commercial signs.

In November 2009, P&Z members created a set of zoning rules to regulate the placement of temporary commercial signs to advertise retail sales. Allowed temporary signs include pennants, valances, flags, streamers, inflatables, and A-frame signs.

In October 2009, Newtown Chamber of Commerce representatives had asked P&Z members to liberalize commercial sign rules in view of the ongoing economic downturn, and in light of the then-upcoming holiday shopping season.