Raleigh, NC Task Force Recommends Sign-Ordinance Revisions

For several months, business and community leaders in Raleigh, NC have lobbied its City Council to amend the city’s sign ordinance, according to the Raleigh Public Record. In April, the Council appointed a task force to investiage modifying signage rules set forth in the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Some of the rules currently outlined in the UDO include include limiting window signs to not occupying more than 30% of total window space, and all building signs erected 4 to 7 ft. from the ground not cover more than 5% of total window area. In March, the city’s Planning Commission considered a change in ordinance verbiage to treat window signs as promotional signage, which are currently unregulated per Raleigh codes.

In an April 29 Public Record article, Greater Raleigh Merchants Assn. Vice President Jeff Tippet said, "We don’t believe this is a time to make minor revisions. Rather, we feel this is a unique opportunity to create sign governance that better reflects what Raleigh is today and supports the growth of small business."

On September 24, the Public Record reported that the task force recommended the ordinance be rewritten to permit 30 to 50% more window signage , Richard Gardner, the owner of a local comedy club, circulated a petition signed by apprxoimately 300 residents that opposed window-sign regulations.

"If ComedyWorx loses one sale per show, that’s an $8,000 annual loss. It’s a hidden tax," Gardner said.

Nancy McFarlane, Raleigh’s mayor, recommended that the task force’s findings be passed onto a subcommittee that comprises members of the city’s Planning and Appearance commisions.

 

Advertisement