This township in Ohio has updated their signage codes to allow more flexibility in hopes of attracting more businesses. Some of these items are stricter than what we currently have, but many are extremely forgiving compared with our codes. While I agree extremely large, gaudy signs are unacceptable and tarnish a community's image, allowing businesses to advertise their spaces effectively is extremely important to their continued success. If you'd like more information on the current sign regulations for Rockford and other communities give me a call!
~Amy Donahue
signage consultant
After enduring criticism that its sign regulations are not friendly to businesses, Liberty Township has amended its zoning code to relax the rules.
Following months of review by the township's zoning commission and several public hearings, township trustees OK'd amendments to the signage code for the first time in more than a decade during their meeting Monday, May 17.
The new code makes replacing signs easier and allows for more wiggle room in size and design. Notable changes include:
* Rather than go through a public hearing to receive approval for a replacement sign that does not match the original, applicants can get a permit from the zoning inspector for a sign approved by township trustees.
* Restrictions to the number of colors, types and sizes of fonts have been removed.
* In addition to the proprietor and business name, such signs may now include the address and a graphic or image to illustrate the nature of the business. These signs are allowed to be on the building wall, rather than restricted to a show window or door.
* Temporary sidewalk signs are allowed in front of businesses with no permit required.
* The allowed size for freestanding signs and wall signs for business identification have been increased.
* Signs with business names, address numbers and directional arrows designed to assist the public in locating a business are allowed without a permit, though some restrictions apply.
A last-minute amendment was added to the list during the meeting to allow neighborhoods to post signs that ban solicitors and advertise block-watch programs.
The changes serve to simplify the signage requirements, which business owners have complained are needlessly complicated; however, trustees have said the rules are not the sole reason for businesses that have asked to be annexed into Powell.
"Business owners that use signage requirements as an excuse to leave the township are making just that -- an excuse," Trustee Bob Mann said at a previous meeting.
Trustee Chairman Curt Sybert said at the same meeting that the amended code allows for better signage for businesses.
"One of our businesses installed a drive-through pharmacy and our old code wouldn't allow them to advertise that, so no one knew it was there. Our new code would allow that," he said.
The changes will take effect in 30 days.
