As COVID-19-related restrictions begin to lift statewide — and with some semblance of normalcy on the horizon — some things are slowly returning to the way they were prior to the pandemic.
Around this time last year, the city of Sedona relaxed its policies regarding temporary sign use for local businesses, which were struggling to attract customers.
However, the city said it has recently begun to receive complaints regarding the number and quality of temporary signs around the community.
As a result, officials have decided to amend the plan in two phases to ensure proper adherence by business owners.
“We are taking the approach we outlined to give us a chance to get the word out to businesses and give businesses time to adjust to/plan for this change,” Cari Meyer, the city’s planning manager, said. “Our Code Enforcement officers have already been visiting businesses that have signs out to make sure that they are aware of the change.”
Meyer said during the early days of the pandemic, the city received few, if any, complaints related to signage. But since then things have changed.
“Most people understood the rapidly-changing circumstances businesses were facing last spring and summer,” she said. “However, we started to receive complaints late last year regarding the number of signs some businesses were displaying, the location/placement of those signs, the quality of the signs and the necessity of the signs. The increase in complaints led us to working with the Economic Development Director and the Chamber to come up with the plan as outlined regarding permitting and enforcement of temporary signs.”
Sedona Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Candace Carr Strauss said COVID-19 has shown many things — one being the need for businesses to be able to adapt to unusual circumstances.
“We are grateful to the city of Sedona for their flexibility with the signage ordinance during the pandemic,” she said. “We hope the need doesn’t arise again.”
As noted, there will be two phases, with the first lasting until April 30. This will include:
■ Restrict temporary signs to one per business, in compliance with size, design and location restrictions of the city’s Land Development Code under Temporary Signs, Commercial Districts.
■ Must not exceed 20 square feet in area.
■ Attached to the building/on the property and not in the right-of-way, in which they are advertising.
■ Temporary signs may be freestanding if the overall height does not exceed 8 feet.
■ When attached to the building, temporary signs shall not be mounted higher than the eave line or top of the parapet wall of the building and no portion of the sign shall extend beyond the ends of the wall to which it is attached.
■ Temporary off-premises signs in commercial districts are prohibited.
■ No permits or fees are required for complying with above restrictions
Code Enforcement will focus on education first, making sure businesses are aware of the plan and timing of temporary sign enforcement.
The second phase, which begins in May, will see the codes return to normal requirements and begin requiring permits for each sign, allowing the city to track usage and ensure time limits are followed.
The following signs may be permitted through a temporary sign permit: Flag-mounted signs, banners, pennants, streamers, balloons, inflatable signs, costumed characters, and sandwich board or A-frame signs.
In addition, a normal fee of $30 will be required for permits. Signs at all times must adhere to proper aesthetic qualities and must not block the right-of-way for the safety and security of commuters.
For more information, contact the Community Development department at 282-1154.
