ProposedSignCodeChanges

Recently, the City of Marysville has begun work on modifying our existing sign code. We need and value your input on this important issue. Please plan to attend the Marysville City Council meeting on December 2, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers located at 125 East Sixth Street.

The recent work has been focused on modifications in the area of temporary signs. In recent months, the City has heard from many business leaders in the community that they wanted the City to look at the existing temporary sign regulations to see if there were any modifications that could be done to assist them in being able to advertise such things as their “sales”, “daily specials” and “products” and to be able to advertise for a sufficient amount of time.

One of the challenges in doing a modification to any sign code is to establish a balance in which businesses are able to sufficiently advertise their products and services, yet maintain a clean and attractive appearance which the residents of our City expect. As with any modifications to a sign code, the overall impact of how the proposed changes will affect the City and its businesses are still unknown.

In working on the proposed temporary sign code modifications, City staff, working with the Union County Chamber of Commerce and the Uptown Renewal Team, spent many hours researching best practices that are used in other communities, along with utilizing feedback received from members of our local business community. City staff also referenced the City’s recently adopted Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the Historic Uptown Marysville Revitalization Plan, both which provide guidance in the long range planning and visioning for our City. Your input, whether as a business owner or resident, is incredibly important and we welcome your thoughts on this issue.

A link to a summary of the proposed temporary sign code modifications is below. Also located below are links to the actual drafted changes.

If, after reviewing the proposed changes, you have questions, concerns or comments, please email our City Planner at gdelong@marysvilleohio.org. Or contact our Planning and Zoning staff at 937-642-6015. We are happy to review the regulations with you on the phone or can schedule a sit down meeting to answer questions or provide additional explanation.

As we continue through the process of modifying the temporary sign code provisions, City staff is looking forward to partnering with our business community and our residents to collect input and find a balance that works for our community.

	PROPOSED SIGN CODE CHANGES
	Recently, the City of Marysville has begun work on modifying our existing sign code. We need and value your input on this important issue. Please plan to attend the Marysville City Council meeting on December 2, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers located at 125 East Sixth Street. The recent work has been focused on modifications in the area of temporary signs. In recent months, the City has heard from many business leaders in the community that they wanted the City to look at the existing temporary sign regulations to see if there were any modifications that could be done to assist them in being able to advertise such things as their “sales”, “daily specials” and “products” and to be able to advertise for a sufficient amount of time. One of the challenges in doing a modification to any sign code is to establish a balance in which businesses are able to sufficiently advertise their products and services, yet maintain a clean and attractive appearance which the residents of our City expect. As with any modifications to a sign code, the overall impact of how the proposed changes will affect the City and its businesses are still unknown. In working on the proposed temporary sign code modifications, City staff, working with the Union County Chamber of Commerce and the Uptown Renewal Team, spent many hours researching best practices that are used in other communities, along with utilizing feedback received from members of our local business community. City staff also referenced the City’s recently adopted Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the Historic Uptown Marysville Revitalization Plan, both which provide guidance in the long range planning and visioning for our City. Your input, whether as a business owner or resident, is incredibly important and we welcome your thoughts on this issue. A link to a summary of the proposed temporary sign code modifications is below. Also located below are links to the actual drafted changes. If, after reviewing the proposed changes, you have questions, concerns or comments, please email our City Planner at gdelong@marysvilleohio.org. Or contact our Planning and Zoning staff at 937-642-6015. We are happy to review the regulations with you on the phone or can schedule a sit down meeting to answer questions or provide additional explanation. As we continue through the process of modifying the temporary sign code provisions, City staff is looking forward to partnering with our business community and our residents to collect input and find a balance that works for our community.


	*Summary/Frequently Asked Questions*

	The following document contains the proposed changes to the sign code, including recent amendments. The document is shown in legislative draft – all proposed deletions are “struck-through”, all proposed additions are in bold type, and all amendments are in red. Unchanged language appears in normal type.

	Proposed Changes to Chapter 1143 (including revisions up through November 18, 2020)

	SUMMARY/FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

	What part of the sign code will be affected?
		At this time, only the temporary signs are being reviewed for possible changes.

	Why is the temporary sign portion being changed at this time?
		There are various reasons why this section is being changed at this time, but the primary reasons are: To address comments and concerns that the City has received from various business owners and community organizations. To allow businesses and organizations the chance to use more temporary signage on a temporary basis to advertise events, products and services. To clarify the regulations.
	Will additional sections of the sign code be modified in the future?
		Yes. The proposed changes are the first step in what is anticipated to be a long range complete review of the current sign code.

	What process was used to create the proposed sign code changes?
		City staff, working with the Union County Chamber of Commerce and the Uptown Renewal Team, spent many hours researching best practices that are used in other communities, along with utilizing feedback received from members of our local business community. City staff also referenced the City’s recently adopted Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the Historic Uptown Marysville Revitalization Plan, both which provide guidance in the long range planning and visioning for our City. Using this information proposed changes were presented to the Planning Commission for review, input and modification. Additional comments and modifications were presented on November 4, 2010 to City Council from the City's Public Affairs Committee. The proposed modifications were to the Planning Commission's recommendation.

	What kind of research went into creating the proposed changes?
		Many hours were spent researching best practices that are used in other communities, along with utilizing feedback received from the Marysville business community. Approved City plans including the Comprehensive Plan (adopted in 2010) and the Historic Uptown Marysville Revitalization Plan (adopted in 2007), both of which provide excellent guidance in the long range planning and visioning for our City.
	What types of signs will be allowed with the proposed changes that are not currently allowed?
		Sports/Organization Registration Signs Contractor Signs Vehicular Signs Festival/Special Event Signs Painted Holiday Window Murals Seasonal Business Signs Identification of Sponsors on Temporary Signs Portable A-Frame Signs
	Are there any signs that are presently allowed that will become prohibited with the proposed changes?
		No. Signs that are presently allowed will not become prohibited with the proposed changes.

	Are there any types of temporary signs that are presently allowed that will have changes made to their regulations?
		Yes. The following types of temporary signs are presently permitted by Code, but without regulations. The proposed modifications will continue to permit these sign types, but with regulations. Window Signs for Non-Residential Light Pole Banners Public or Quasi-Public Signs
	Will there be any changes to the existing temporary banner regulations?
		Yes. The proposed changes will allow for more flexibility in the content allowed on the banner. The changes will also allow for banners to be displayed for an overall longer period of time. (Presently they are permitted for 18 days per calendar year, but are proposed to be permitted 60 days per calendar year.)

	What impact will the proposed changes have on the City?
		While the overall impact of the proposed changes is still unknown, it is anticipated that the proposed changes will assist businesses and community organizations in sufficiently advertising their products and services, while maintaining a clean and attractive appearance which the residents of our City expect.

	Will I have a chance to voice my concerns about the proposed changes?
		Yes. The City of Marysville City Council will meet on December 2, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers located at 125 East Sixth Street. Please plan to attend this meeting as your input on this important topic is needed.

	If I have any questions, comments or concerns about the proposed temporary sign code modifications, who can I contact?
		Greg DeLong City Planner 125 East Fifth Street Marysville, Ohio 43040 (937) 645-1034 gdelong@marysvilleohio.org


	*Note:* Some documents are in .PDF format and require Acrobat Reader software. Click Here to download a free version of Acrobat Reader.