Sean C. Morgan
The city’s new sign ordinance moved ahead Tuesday as the Sweet Home City Council held its first reading of the proposed law during its regular meeting on Nov. 9.
The ordinance will replace the existing ordinance. It increases the amount of signage allowed in many cases, while generally maintaining the lowest limitations on the size of signs, 50 square feet.
Generally, the new ordinance permits 1 square foot of signage per linear foot of property frontage, which is the same as the existing ordinance. The new ordinance includes provisions for larger, deeper properties.
The ordinance will limit signage area for businesses located more than 100 feet from the property line. The old ordinance does not include such a limitation. The new ordinance will not limit temporary signage or the amount of signage in windows.
The council will hold two more readings of the ordinance, on Nov. 23 and Dec. 7. The council may make a decision on the ordinance on Dec. 7. If approved, it will take effect 30 days later.
The council voted 4-0 to adopt findings of fact supporting the new ordinance based on testimony and information gathered over the past two years.
Voting yes and present at the meeting were councilors Greg Mahler, Jim Gourley and Scott Ron Rodgers and Mayor Craig Fentiman. Scott McKee Jr., Laure Osborne and Eric Markell were absent.
In other business, the council:
n Held the first reading of ordinances vacating portions of right-of-way in the Evergreen Lane and West Pine Street area and ordinance amendments to include Oregon Solar Installation Specialty Code in ordinances related to building code.
n Appointed Barbara “Susie” Ford to the Library Board.