Signs of support: P&Z allows freestanding placards

Following up on a text amendment passed last November to permit downtown and Saugatuck Center businesses' to display freestanding portable signs, the Planning and Zoning Commission has unanimously approved a complementary amendment that extends that consent to all Westport businesses in commercial zones.

For three years, town zoning officials have suspended enforcement of existing zoning regulations, which do not permit freestanding portable signs. At the request of First Selectman Gordon Joseloff, the P&Z endorsed the relaxation of the town's portable sign regulations in February 2009 to support Westport businesses during the recession. The latest change that eases restrictions on the signs was approved by the P&Z last Thursday.

During that period, the size and appearance of businesses' portable signs have not been regulated.

The new amendments, in contrast, outline several conditions for businesses' use of those signs. Among the new rules, freestanding portable signs must be chalk boards or eraser boards with all of the wording handwritten; have a maximum width of 24 inches and maximum height of 40 inches; cannot have lights or any moving parts, and can be displayed only during business hours. Town merchants will also need to obtain a zoning permit annually to display the signs.

The P&Z's move to permanently allow freestanding portable signs has attracted opposition from some town residents who assert the displays often have an undesirable aesthetic impact and believe the new regulations will be difficult to enforce.

"Although your goal to be helpful to the business community is laudable, the merchants have already had a year and a half, at least, of sign relaxation," said Angela Trucks, chairwoman of the town's Beautification Committee. "Isn't it time to consider the residents? We also have a right, and that right is to not be visually assaulted every time we leave our homes."

Jeff Arciola, owner of Junior's Hot Dog Stand at 265 Riverside Ave., countered that the portable signs offer a vital advertising tool for local businesses during an adverse economic climate.

"Things are still tough out there. For me, to put a sandwich sign out there for four hours a day, it does help my business. If you want to regulate it, that's fine. But you have to look at it as people still are trying to make a living. Would you rather see, "for lease" or "for sale," or would you rather see a sandwich sign that can bring in business so someone can pay their rent?"

P&Z commissioners quickly proceeded to a vote Thursday, arguing that the new amendments would be readily enforceable and improve the appearance of commercial landscapes.

"I'm sick to death of seeing the clutter that's out there," said commissioner Chip Stephens. "A handwritten sign with distinct measurements is much more favorable to me than PVC piping and cardboard. I'm in favor of this, and in favor of enforcing this to clean up the situation we have with the abeyance."

Businesses that do not comply with the sign regulations will face daily fines of $150 from the P&Z Department.

The text amendment allowing freestanding portable signs in downtown Westport and Saugatuck center will take effect on Feb. 17, while the text amendment that permits use of those displays in all commercial zones in town will go into effect on March 9.

pschott@bcnnew.com; 203-255-4561, ext. 118; http://twitter.com/paulschott.