Signage in Downtown Lakeport
A possible amendment to the Lakeport Zoning Ordinance that addresses the regulation of portable sandwich board signs in the Central Business (CB) zoning district will be discussed and reviewed during a special meeting of the Planning Commission on Thursday, January 16. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 225 Park Street, and is open to the public.
Following the discussion, the Community Development staff will begin drafting a formal Zoning Ordinance amendment to be presented at a future Planning Commission meeting.
The Community Development Department staff understands the value of signage to the success of retail business. The current language within the Zoning Ordinance does not permit the use of portable sandwich board signs in the downtown area.
Zoning Ordinance Section 17.52.040.G states, “No sandwich signs shall be allowed in any district, except that temporary sandwich signs shall be allowed on private property.” Several years ago, the Lakeport Main Street Association (LMSA) developed a portable sign for downtown businesses that includes a small sign hanging in a metal frame.
Following the construction of the downtown Main Street improvements in 2016, City staff relaxed enforcement of regulations with the intent of allowing businesses to bounce back from impacts associated with those improvements. Staff has recently received complaints regarding the use of portable signs in the downtown area and has observed an increased use of multiple A-frame signs as directional signs and low quality signs that do not reflect the historic nature of downtown Lakeport.
Information presentations to LMSA, the Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee (LEDAC) and a workshop for downtown merchants have been aimed at protecting the historic integrity of the downtown while at the same time improving the commercial viability of the area.
Addressing the issue of portable sandwich board signs was identified by all these groups as important and a logical first step in developing a more comprehensive design and improvement strategy.
Other issues from these presentations that were identified for future consideration include:
1) Comprehensive sign guidelines for the downtown area
2) Wayfinding sign program
3) Consideration of a “retail only” requirement for Main Street storefronts
4) Adopt a historic colors palette
5) Standardized outdoor sales and dining regulations
To address the issue of portable sandwich board signs, the first issue to resolve is whether or not they should be permitted. Based on the input received during the presentations, there appears to be support for allowing portable signage. Planning staff researched other cities with vibrant historic downtown areas and almost all of them allow portable signs, with many cities having developed specific regulations to permit these signs.
At the meeting of the Planning Commission, staff will present draft recommendations based on community input and research of best practices by other local jurisdictions. These recommendations may be considered as possible amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to permit and regulate various portable sign uses in the CB zoning district.
For more information about the Lakeport Planning Commission and the Community Development Department:
https://www.cityoflakeport.com/commissions_and_committees/planning_commission.php
https://www.cityoflakeport.com/community_development/index.php
The business community is encouraged and invited to attend the Planning Commission meeting and provide additional input to this discussion. We welcome your ideas!
Kevin Ingram, Community Development Director
Daniel Chance, Associate Planner