Public Voices Concerns Of Sign Ordinance

Last updated on Thursday, February 12, 2015

(BEDFORD) - According to Bedford City officials about two dozen resident attended the public hearing at the StoneGate Arts & Education Center on the city’s proposed city sign ordinance.

Mayor Shawna Girgis opened the hearing at 6:30 p.m. stating officials would hear comments, but would not comment or answer questions during the hearing.

Some concerns were: did the sign ordinance address signs tacked on posts or utility poles, how the sign rule would be enforced and what repercussions there would be if the ordinance was violated. Another concern was why have a public meeting if city officials would not address concerns or answer questions.

The goal of the new ordinance is to improve public safety, protect property values and to keep Bedford beautiful.

Plan Director Dan Kirk says the new ordinance "clears up gray areas" on political signs, temporary signs, opinion signs and off-premises business signs.

If the proposed ordinance is adopted:

Off-premise business signs would be limited to one sign every 250 linear feet.
Political signs could be displayed from 30 days before an election to 10 days after an election.
Limits would be placed on the size, number and height of personal signs, but the code would place no restrictions on content or time, and require no permitting or fees.

The council delayed taking action on the proposed sign ordinance Tuesday night, but it could be on the agenda for the council's next regular meeting, March 10 at 7 p.m.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

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