The Muskegon (MI) Chronicle reported that Norton Shores, a community of 22,527, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, is considering revising its sign ordinance to make the city more business friendly, The sign ordinance, which dates back to 1981, allows businesses with electronic signs to display only one changeable sign message a day.
Many local business owners have complained the ordinance is outdated. In particular, George Gasahl, who owns a Airport Tour and Travel in Norton Shores, was quoted in the Chronicle as saying, "I just don’t think it has kept up with the times. I know there’s some ugly things Norton Shores doesn’t want, but they really need to keep up with today’s technology."
Norton Shores Mayor Gary Nelund, who is among those on the city council who requested that the ordinance be reviewed, said the city also must take into account factors such as aesthetics and safety. He said the city should study if the signs that blink or frequently change messages could distract drivers.
None of the 11 municipalities Norton Shores city staff surveyed — which include Grand Haven, Holland, Kentwood, Grandville and Muskegon — allow signs that blink or “fade in and out.”
Norton Shores’ ordinance was found to be among the most stringent regarding size and message changes. The Chronicle article said commercial signs in Holland can be 75 sq. ft., while those in Muskegon Township can be as large as 300 sq. ft. In Norton Shores, commercial signs may be no larger than 50 sq. ft.
And electronic signs in Grand Haven are permitted to change once every three seconds, while those in Roosevelt Park can change once every five seconds. In Muskegon, there’s no limit.
The city is now evaluating public input. Before a new ordinance is crafted, the city wants to hear from stakeholders affected by any proposed changes.