Planning Commission Likely to Approve Promotional Sign Program

The city's Planning Commission on Tuesday night will consider whether to make permanent a pilot program placing movable A-frame signs near the busy King Street shopping district to promote retailers and restaurants located further off the beaten path.

The temporary program, which initially was approved by City Council in November 2008, is set to expire this month unless made permanent. The signs are designed to alert King Street pedestrians to the many establishments located in the Central Business District, which the Planning and Zoning Department considers as "generally located between Duke and Queen Streets, east of West Street, in Old Town but not located on King Street," according to its website.

Participating businesses will be responsible for coordinating among fellow businesses on their block to create an acceptable sign and to comply with the ordinance. Additionally, Planning and Zoning is recommending a $100 application permit fee for new A-frame sign requests.

Eligible businesses include retailers, restaurants and personal services firms. Banks, realtors, credit firms and savings and loans are not expected to be allowed to participate.

For businesses interested in participating, please see this map showing the locations that qualify (pdf) for the program and where the signs would be placed. Additionally, the city offers an A-frame Quick Guide (pdf) answering many questions about the program.

City Council is expected to vote on whether to make the program permanent on June 25.