PORT TOWNSEND — There is still work to be done on what exactly will stay and go as far as “sandwich-board” style signs are concerned.
After almost two hours of discussion by Port Townsend City Council on Monday night, council instructed staff to make revisions to a proposed ordinance that will change the rules for the fold-up, sandwich-board signs scattered across Port Townsend’s National Historic Landmark District.
If the language discussed is eventually approved, the signs will be allowed in the National Historic Landmark District under certain conditions.
• The signs will be allowed for businesses not located on a major street-front.
• If a business is located on a major street, but located upstairs, underground or in an alley, it will be allowed to have a sign.
• Signs will not be allowed for businesses that have a storefront presence on a major street in the district.
• Any signs currently permitted that are owned by a business with a storefront on a major street will remain as legal, existing non-conforming signs.
• No removal of signs will take place until council agrees upon an alternative signage option, such as a kiosk program.
Still to be discussed are what council wants to see done with signs outside of the historic district along Sims Way and near the entrances to Boat Haven.
Mayor Michelle Sandoval said that would be a discussion for another day.
Director of Development Services Rick Sepler reminded council that this ordinance would still need to go to a second reading before it is approved, and any changes made now may be changed again.
The sandwich-board sign debate has been going on actively among council members for more than three years, but the issue dates back to 1992, when a new ordinance made the signs illegal outside of the historic district and regulated them within the district.
The problem arose when no one followed the rules.
Sepler said an estimated 45 percent of the sandwich-board signs in the historic district are not compliant with regulations.
All sandwich-board signs outside of the district are illegal unless they are used for community-based events such as the Port Townsend Farmers Market.
However, no enforcement has taken place in over a decade.
“One of the problems with the sandwich-board signs is there is no discipline to them,” said City Manager David Timmons.
“With this proposal, we’re looking for a smarter way to address the situation.
“We want to find a way to manage it rather than just put it out there and hope people can find a business because it says turn right.”
Timmons said the city was looking at a kiosk system, which would direct people through uptown and downtown commercial districts by foot.
Sepler also mentioned that city staff is looking at creating a “blue sign” type of system for businesses outside of the historic district, which could direct people to businesses as they drive by.
Deputy Mayor George Randels said he wanted to see a prototype for the new signage systems before he approves them, but agreed that something would need to be done about the current sandwich-board sign problem.
“When 45 percent of the people ignore the rules, it sends a message to the people who do comply,” Randels said.
“And that message is you are a sucker for following the rules.
“I don’t want the city sending that message.”
No action was taken at the meeting other than the revisions, and the issue is expected to be brought up again in the coming month.
Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
