Summer 2018 Hometown Messenger

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

CITY OF SHAKOPEE SIGN ORDINANCE City Code 151.185-151.199 Temporary Yard Signs

All signs shall be placed outside a right- of-way. Yard signs without a permit or located in a right-of-way will be removed without warning. A sign permit may be required.

City looking at ways to reduce sign clutter, update sign ordinance Temporary yard signs: What's allowed?

We've all seen them - crammed along street corners, waving in the wind, advertising garage sales, work opportunities, tree trimming, dance lessons and more. These temporary signs advertising private businesses and events pop up along sidewalks and boulevards.

The city's sign ordinance prohibits signs within a public right-of-way (typically the area between the sidewalk/trail and curb or near on/off ramps and utility poles) regardless of sign content. In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled cities must

and collect along busy intersections. The police department is currently hiring a full-time code compliance specialist who will have the primary responsibility of addressing sign compliance issues. City staff are also working on revising the city's sign regulations to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court's 2015 ruling while addressing public concerns. The goal of the new sign ordinance will be to create equity, reduce public hazards, keep the visual environment free of unnecessary clutter and incorporate standards to prevent visual distractions and unsafe conditions. Sign revisions are expected to go before the Planning Commission in June. "As we revise our sign ordinance, we're confident we can find the balance between legal compliance, safety and ensuring our community does not become bogged down by unwanted signs," Widing said.

"Signs posted along city streets not only create visual clutter, but they can also pose a real safety hazard." Joe Widing Planner

treat all signage – whether for a yard sale, commercial venture or charity event – the same and cannot regulate by content. Yard signs advertising private businesses must be treated equally to neighborhood ventures, like yard sales, lost dogs or even campaign signs.

At best, they are ugly and distracting. At worst, they are dangerous, impeding the view of drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. When blown into the street, they become a road hazard.

Cities can regulate signs on factors beyond content, such as size, location, number of signs, lighting and timing. This is why the city can prohibit signs in the public right-of-way. The city struggles to keep up with the plethora of signs that pop up overnight

"Signs posted along city streets not only create visual clutter, but they can also pose a real safety hazard," said Joe Widing, city planner. "We understand the community's frustration when they see a rash of these signs that never seem to go away."

Summer 2018 9