Denison Development News

City Council Debates Proposed Sign Ordinance Amendments, Focus on Pole Signs and Waivers

The city council held a work session to discuss proposed amendments to Chapter 19 (Signs) and the creation of a new Sign Board under Chapter 2, Article 2, Division 8. The proposed ordinance aims to modernize sign standards, improve aesthetics, address enforcement issues, and accommodate business needs. Key changes include expanding permitted sign types, creating a section for vintage signs, establishing a sign board for waivers, prohibiting new pole and billboard signs, and enhancing enforcement. Discussions focused heavily on the prohibition of pole signs, with staff proposing an allowance in certain developed areas and prohibitions elsewhere to maintain community character and prevent visual clutter. The waiver process was also a significant point of discussion, with the proposal being amended to allow waivers for previously prohibited signs to address potential hardships. The council also deliberated on the scope of the ordinance, considering amendments to include specific corridors like Highway 75 and exploring the use of overlay districts within future zoning rewrites. The council ultimately decided to gather further input from stakeholders and provide staff with specific direction before taking action at a later meeting, with a project update scheduled for July 13th.