Laserfiche WebLink
consider a Moratorium on certain portions of the Sign Code; and/or a softening of the Code <br />itself, for a time unknown, to help local business owners get through these rough economic <br />times. <br />Mr. Marshall said that as small business owners, visibility is a big thing for them; <br />and it was not about just making more money; it was about survival. He begged the Board to <br />allow business owners to put up certain banners and/or business promotional materials; things <br />that are temporary, to help them promote business. He gave an example of what was done in <br />Amelia Island to allow small businesses to put up a small banner. <br />Chairman Davis has had complaints about our sign ordinance and he questioned <br />Director Keating on whether there was a way for us to improve upon this. <br />Director Keating said the whole issue comes down to aesthetics. He noted that our <br />sign code is very strict, and he revealed that County staff and staff from the Cities of Vero Beach <br />and Sebastian are currently working together, looking at the sign codes; and one of the themes is <br />to limit these temporary signs. He believed it was a completely aesthetically discretionary <br />decision, with the question of how we want the County to look. <br />Mr. Marshall said the additional signage is not about outdoing the man down the <br />block; it is making people know that they do exist through visibility. He asked if business <br />owners could put out a reasonable amount of additional signage. <br />Director Keating said staff could work with owners whose signs are being blocked <br />by trees or vegetation. <br />Commissioner O'Bryan understood Mr. Marshall's concerns, and wanted staff to <br />come back with recommendations of where they could loosen up, maybe 100 feet, to allow <br />owners to identify their businesses. <br />January 20, 2009 <br />16 <br />