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b00,," � �.�. PAGE advertisements throughout the County's residential areas. This would be contrary to the objectives of the corridor plans recently adopted by the Board of County Commissioners where the intent has been to reduce and limit signage. Existing Couniy Regulations Currently, the County regulates signage through its land development regulations. These regulations generally prohibit signs within rights-of-way, except for traffic regulatory/direc- tional signs and some temporary signs. Even outside of rights-of-way, off -premise signage is strictly limited. Such signs may be located only in non-residential zoning districts and may not be placed within 1,000 feet of another off -premise sign. For consistency purposes, any bench advertising should be subject to the same requirements as off -premise signage. This would include separation requirements. In addition, both sign permits and right-of-way permits would be needed for each bench. Corridor Plan Requirements One component of the recently adopted SR 60 corridor plan is a prohibition of bus bench advertising within the corridor area. This includes the SR 60 right-of-way as well as project site areas where advertising would be visible to the motoring public. Effectively, this prohibits bus bench advertising on SR 60 from 43rd Avenue to 102nd Avenue. Not only is that one of the County's most heavily traveled roadways, it is one of the few with significant segments of existing and planned curbing. Policies of Other Local Governments In south Florida and other parts of the state, there are a number of local governments which allow bus bench advertising. Some of these governments allow service clubs to place benches within rights-of-way and derive advertising revenue from them, as requested here by the Jaycees and Lions. Various local governments, such as the City of Tallahassee, prohibit bus bench advertising, while others, such as Dade County, contract out bus bench advertising and derive revenue from it. Many local governments have bus bench advertising restrictions, such as prohibiting advertising benches in residential areas or requiring a minimum separation distance between benches. Like Indian River County, the City of Vero Beach has been requested to allow bus bench advertising. While the city council has not formally acted on the request, city planning staff have indicated that they oppose bus bench advertising allowances. By allowing local service clubs to donate bus benches and place advertising on them, the County could derive some benefits. Not only would benches be convenient for bus riders; benches may even increase ridership. And the benches would be provided at no cost to the county. There are, however, a number of negatives associated with bus bench advertising. The principal negative is aesthetics. Contrary to the County's sign ordinance which seeks to restrict signage along roadways, bus bench advertising allowances would permit a proliferation of signage. These bench signs would also be located close to the road in high visibility areas and could intrude into residential areas. Given clear zone requirements and rural road cross-sections predominating in the unincorporated county, it is unlikely that many roads could feasibly accommodate bus benches. So it may not be worthwhile to pursue this issue. If, however, the Board decides to allow bus bench advertising, several conditions should be imposed. First, an adequate cash escrow bond should be required of any organization placing advertising benches in the county to ensure that benches are maintained to standards set by the County. Second, advertising benches should be prohibited within residential areas. Third, benches should be separated by a minimum distance of 1,000 feet. Fourth, sign and right-of-way permits should be required for each bench. Finally, competitive selection should be used to choose groups that may place bus benches with advertising on them in public rights-of-way. JUNE 179 1997 M 26 M M