Ground signs appear to be on the City hit list as it moves toward creating a new Sign Bylaw.
The issue came before the regular as a result of City Administration receiving ongoing complaints over small ground signs which are placed within public right-of-way; on medians, boulevards and sidewalks.
They are signs which are typically small and can be readily picked up and moved, and are generally folding A-board in design and are pedestrian-oriented City Planner Michael Eger.
The Sign Bylaw requires a Development Permit (Sign Permit) be obtained for any sign used for third-party (off-site) advertising.
In addition, Eger said the Bylaw does not permit any sign be erected with public right-of-way.
In the past Bylaw Control has removed non-compliant ground signs in accordance with the Sign Bylaw, said Eger. However, he noted removal of community-based (sporting event) signs was not well-supported at that time by the public and some members of Council.
"Because of this reaction and Administration's belief that all sign owners should be treated fairly, Bylaw Control has backed off on enforcement of all ground signs," said Eger.
With a lack of enforcement some commercial entities have been placing ground signs in public spaces, leading to an increase in complaints, he added, noting complainants argue the signs are untidy and detract from the streetscape.
Eger said City Administration looks at the current Sign Bylaw lacks sufficient detail, and lacks adequate definitions or regulations to help Administration respond to complaints.
However, it also seems illogical that all small ground signs be prohibited in all public spaces, as small signs can be effective for temporary advertising of community sporting events and improve pedestrian-oriented advertising, detailed a report circulated to Council.
The report stated a new Sign Bylaw is in the works, expected to appear before Council in the first half of 2012. In the meantime Administration recommended it be directed to pursue enforcement on all ground signs that are placed within City right-of-way, excluding ground signs used for community-based or sporting events, and ground signs which are placed within right-of-way directly adjacent to the business of which they are advertising and not obstructing use of the right-of-way.
Councillor Chris Wyatt said he was in favour of community-based, or sporting events being exempted, but that was as far as he wanted to go.
Coun. Richard Okrainec wasn't sure about any exceptions.
"There's just as much liability," he said, adding any sign can blow into the street and suggested the City would face the ramifications.
Coun. Bob Maloney suggested groups be asked to properly anchor signs to avoid them blowing over.
"I think we insist," countered Okrainec. "We have to give them direction."
In the end Council approved only a portion of Administration's recommendation, the portion exempting ground signs used for community-based or sporting events from enforcement. Councillors Okrainec and Ross Fisher were opposed.
