Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Sign Code Changes to have HUGE Impact on my business

Last night I attended the public meeting to discuss proposed changes to the current sign code. I was and am horrified by the unnecessarily restrictive nature of these changes. I cannot stress strongly enough how harmful these regulations will be to a huge percentage of businesses throughout Fargo.

Here is a link to the proposed sign code in PDF format.

Here is a link to the proposed sign code in
Microsoft Word format.

Here is the Forum article.

Businesses say proposed Fargo sign code changes too restrictive
Owners want ability to promote services, while residents favor more regulation
Several small-business owners condemned proposed changes to Fargo’s sign code during a public hearing Tuesday night, saying the changes would be too restrictive and could harm businesses.

By: Kristen Daum, INFORUM

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Several small-business owners condemned proposed changes to Fargo’s sign code during a public hearing Tuesday night, saying the changes would be too restrictive and could harm businesses.

Meanwhile, some residents said they favored more regulation of signage for the improved aesthetics it would bring to neighborhoods near businesses.

For several months, Fargo leaders have considered changes to the city’s sign code regulations, and business owners said the proposed changes go too far in restricting how businesses can affordably promote services.

Among the proposed changes is a provision that reduces the total amount of signage for every lineal foot of property from 3 square feet to 1½ square feet. Other types of signs could only cover 25 percent of a building’s façade, as compared to 40 percent under the current code.

The amount of time a temporary sign can be displayed also would be cut from 30 days to 14 days, and regulations would be placed on electronic messaging centers, which are not covered under the current code.

April Farver, owner of Books at a Fifth in the Village West Shopping Center, said she sees a measurable difference in business when she uses temporary signs to advertise along 13th Avenue South, which are an affordable way to promote her business.

“Every single time we put a sign up there, we see a huge, huge difference,” Farver said, adding that she stands to lose $5,200 a year in growth, under the proposed reduction in how long a temporary sign can be displayed.

“We need every customer in the store we can get,” Farver said. “We need to show them we’re there, and we need the temporary sign out on 13th Avenue.”

Other business owners said signage outside their property serves as their “unique identifier” in attracting customers and growing their businesses, which in turn benefits the city’s economy.

Business owners said city officials shouldn’t seek to deter small businesses from coming to Fargo, which they say the stricter code would do.

“The small businessman with this proposal is going to get the ever-living daylights kicked out of them,” said Bernie Dardis, CEO of Indigo Signworks.

However, some residents said they favored the city’s proposal to tighten regulations on signage.

“These neighborhoods are starting to be infiltrated by business,” resident Tom Neihart said. “What I care about is my neighborhood; I care about is my quality of life … Protect the sanctity of the neighborhood.”

More than 50 people attended Tuesday’s meeting. Another public hearing to discuss the proposed sign code changes is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday at the commission chambers in Fargo City Hall, 200 3rd St. N.

More hearings could be scheduled if necessary, Senior Fargo Planner Jim Hinderaker said.