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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Sign Code Enforcement Meeting Date: July 24, 2006 Agenda Item Number: C Department: Planning and Development Staff Contact: Mike McKerrow www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5251 ISSUE STATEMENT Eugene’s land use code regulates the number, location and size of signs. It also prohibits some signs, such as portable signs, while exempting others from the need to obtain a sign permit. Staff administers the code consistently using applicable code standards, established policies, procedures and interpretations. Enforcement is initiated primarily on a complaint basis. This item is coming before City Council because there was a request that it be scheduled for discussion. BACKGROUND The original sign ordinance was adopted in 1968. In the late 1980s, a comprehensive review of the sign standards was initiated and new sign standards were adopted in 1990. During the review, the Planning Commission considered a temporary sign permit option, but determined that the cost required to administer the program exceeded available resources. The standards adopted in 1990 primarily are the same standards in the current land use code. Staff has received an average of 27 sign complaints per year over the last five years. Most of the complaints involve portable “A-frame” signs and banners for retail or service businesses. Most of the violations were resolved within two to seven days. Complaints tend to come from community members concerned about safety and aesthetics, as well as from competitors wanting fair application of sign code standards. When a complaint is received, it is assigned to a code enforcement inspector who verifies the violation. The business owner is contacted and educated about the code standards. A deadline is established for the removal of the violation. When the prohibited sign is removed, the enforcement case is closed. Examples of prohibited signs listed in Eugene Code 9.6615 include portable signs, banners, balloons, strobe lights, streamers, and inflatable signs. Within the Downtown Activity Zone, portable signs are allowed if a permit is obtained from Downtown Eugene, Incorporated. A map showing the boundaries of the Downtown Activity Zone is attached. Since the zone uses streets as boundaries, one side of the street allows portable signs but the side of the street just outside the boundary does not. The municipalities of Springfield, Salem and Medford were contacted to compare sign codes. The types of prohibited signs in all three jurisdictions were similar to those listed for Eugene. Like Eugene, all three communities did enforcement primarily on a complaint basis. However, if inspectors observe L:\CMO\2006 Council Agendas\M060724\S060724C.doc