The Knoxville (TN)-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) and the Knoxville City Council Sign Ordinance Task Force are conspiring to impose strict limits on sign height and proximity to street rights-of-way. In a memo originally drafted October 13 by MPC executive director Mark Donaldson sent a letter to Commission staff outlining his response to a request by City Council to recommend amendments to the city zoning ordinance to reduce the height of ground and monument signs from 50 to 25 ft. The Council stated the current sign height as a hazard to those trying to read the signs, and claimed signs that tall detracted from real-estate values.
Donaldson also advocates reducing the 500-ft. limit for signs within interstate rights-of-way, where the height limit doesn’t apply. Also, he proposed eliminating the current zero-setback in the code, which allows sign to adjoin the right of way provided the sign area is 10 ft. above ground level. The proposal suggested emulating Nashville’s code, which specifies a 10-ft. setback for signs. And, as a further indicator of his goal of a draconian sign code, Donaldson noted the 6 ft. height limit for monuments signs in a new, mixed-use district in Knoxville.
The Sign Ordinance Task Force, which was created in February, echoes Donaldson’s sentiments. Joyce Feld, a member, said, "We have way too much sign clutter."
The proposed ordinance change was opened for public comment May 16, where many in attendance voiced opposition. David McClurkin, executive vice president for the Principle Group (which purchased the former ImagePoint), said the town should attempt to address clutter from temporary signs or those that identify business no longer in operation, rather than enacting "knee-jerk" policy recommendations. John Faris, who owns several Knoxville-area McDonald’s franchises, said, "Knoxville is a great community, but it’s getting tougher to do business.
The Knoxville Chamber of Commerce outlined signs’ many benefits, and details why the proposal should be defeated, here.
Signs of the Times will keep you informed of future developments.