A public hearing regarding an updated sign bylaw will be taking place on Feb. 28 in council chambers.
The update addresses items such as the type and number of signs; their size; lighting and general location where they may be placed on the property. Some of the proposed amendments to the bylaw include allowing the development officers to decide on permits for signs meeting all requirements of the bylaw, limiting the number and length of time garage sale signs may be posted, limiting the size and location of billboards, allowing digital or reader board signs subject to limits on flashing or scrolling images and new regulations around the use of A-board signs in the central commercial district.
Craig Teal, principal of Parkland Community Planning Services, said the intention of the update is to make it easier for the commercial user by consolidating the regulations regarding signs into one place. Definitions and pictures have been added to the revamped bylaw to make it easier to distinguish between the types of signs.
ìThe other part is to update our expectations on signage and to make sure we have some clear expectations on particular types of signs, some of which may be new and coming to our community in the future. Others have been signs that have been around for awhile and we want to make sure we have some clear understanding of what is considered acceptable versus what is considered unacceptable when it comes to those types of signs,î he said.
The town had identified the update as a priority. Sign applications are increasingly taking up more of the Municipal Planning Commission's time, Teal said, and the revamped bylaw is an attempt to lessen its workload.
The updated bylaw would cover any sign in any area of town. Teal said in some areas of town, expectations for signage may be different than others. As an example, he said the rules for Central Commercial District signage may be different than those governing Highway Commercial signage.
Those who are unable to attend the hearing are invited to send their comments to Teal via fax at (403) 556-6537 or e-mail at [email protected].
The hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m.
