Wentzville May Soon Have New Rules for 'Living Signs,' Banners, Balloons

It all started earlier this year when a local businessman was told that he could not have a Statue of Liberty character standing on the sidewalk to promote his business on Wentzville Parkway.

READ MORE: Wentzville Business Owners Talk about Sign Issues at Board Work Session

Now the issue of "living signs," banners, balloons, window paint and other temporary advertising methods will go before the Wentzville Board of Aldermen as an amendment, setting new guidelines for promotional and temporary signage.

"The city is looking to relax and change some its current temporary signage requirements," Doug Forbeck, director of community development, told the Planning and Zoning Commission last week.

The new regulations include the following provisions:

• Businesses are allowed to have up to two different kinds of temporary signs at any one time. For instance, the business could display one balloon and one banner, or one banner and one living sign.
• Temporary signage will be allowed up to 240 calendar days per year per business.
• Any fees connected with the permitting process for temporary signs have been eliminated.
• Previously prohibited "living signs" would be allowed, although the city has set limits on how close they can be to major intersections.
• Temporary signs must be on private property and not in the public right-of-way.
• Businesses are given the option of quarterly permitting to save on paperwork and processing.
• Window signage will now be allowed to cover 50 percent of window surface, an increase from the previous 20 percent.

The Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce assisted city staff with a survey of local business owners, asking for their suggestions and input.

The amendment was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission and now goes to the Board of Aldermen for their approval.