Do Signs Matter?

This year, seemingly more than other years, the use and display of signage of all kinds has attracted attention to the apparent lack of enforcement of the Town’s sign ordinance.

The numerous complaints received, not only here in the Code Office but by other Town Officials, have ignited a renewed concern regarding what seems to be uncontrolled use of signs.

There are many, many fine examples of signs that have been granted permits.

And equally so, there are many business owners who support the local laws governing the use of signs.However, there is no lack of signs that have been installed, altered or displayed without permits or the approval of the Town Planning Board.

Clearly, it is frustrating to those business owners that play by the rules, to watch as others seemingly disregard local laws and standards by just putting up signs without obtaining the proper permits. It is not fair.

The Town’s signs laws were originally adopted many years ago, in the 1960’s.

Since that time they have been revised or modified several times, most recently in 2005.

In each case regarding a change in local law, public hearings were advertised in the local papers.

In each revision process, the Town tried to reach out to the public and solicit the opinion of all.

Usually without any great opposition, comments or suggestions at these hearings, the Town Board voted accordingly to adopt the changes.

Please understand that the Code Office is the enforcement part of the Town’s sign laws… not the policy maker.

The sign ordinance content is under the direct control of the Town Board.

However, the Planning Board will have input in the process by way of recommendations to the Town Board.

The enforcement process is often rather challenging.

For those businesses that have been advised of a potential violation and voluntarily correct the issue, the system works great.

Those who ignore and abuse the sign laws are responsible for the newly heightened level of awareness and concerns.

More than likely if a survey were taken within the community—businesses or residents alike—there would be a wide range of opinions, and all having merit.

A similarly wide range of opinions may be found with the Town Board or Planning Board.

It is clear that businesses try to capture the attention of our summer visitors.

It is also clear why… the need to do as much business as possible in a very short aggressive retail season.

There has to be a balance, however, and that balance needs to be identified.

There are those that feel our Town is slowly losing its Adirondack, small-town, quaintness that has made our area so special.

And that the seemingly abundant amount of signage is contributing to that loss.

And there are those who think the whole issue is stupid, let everyone do as they want.

One thing is sure, the Town Board and the Planning Board have acknowledged that the current laws, policies and enforcement tools are not working and need to be fixed.

In an attempt to stir opinions, here are some of the standards to be reviewed for signs on properties which may include, but not be limited to:

• Definition of a sign

• Outdoor display

• Number of signs

• Size of signs

• Location

• Colors

• Materials

• Lighting

• Window signs, inside or out

• Temporary signs

• Not-for-profit signs

• Governmental signs

• Community interest signs

• Banners

• Streamers

• Balloons

• Flashing light signs

• Neon signs

• Vehicle signs

• Grandfathered signs

• Permit process

• Enforcement process

• Penalties / fines