Wiscasset business owners will be relieved to know they may have more time before removing their signs that are not in compliance with the sign ordinance. The selectmen are proposing an amendment to the ordinance allowing more time.

The reason for the proposed amendment is business owners were not given notification by certified mail from the code enforcement officer informing them their signs were not in conformance following the adoption of the new sign ordinance. The ordinance required the non-conforming signs to be replaced in within 3 years. The sign ordinance was adopted in June 2010.

Town Planner Misty Parker told the selectmen at the Ordinance Review Committee (ORC) had been working on amendments to the sign ordinance and are proposing to allow the use of non-conforming signs for another 3 years, after certified notification by the code enforcement officer.

The proposal was discussed among the selectmen, considering the cost of the signs to the business owners, most on the board felt 3 years was not enough time for the businesses to benefit from their investments in the signs.

Selectmen Jefferson Slack suggested when the non-conforming sign required 40 percent maintenance it should be replaced. The selectmen questioned if a business was sold would the new owner be required to come in compliance?

Parker said, “If a business is sold, and there is no change to the business, the new owner isn’t required to change the sign. However, if there is a change of business, a new sign is required.”

The selectmen discussed extending it as much as 8 years, some on the board thought that was too long. Chairman of Board Pam Dunning said, “What about 5 years after notification?”

Slack made a motion to recommend amending the ordinance to extend the replacement time to 5 years from the date of notification,   or if the sign requires 40 percent maintenance, and for new businesses. The motion carried 4-1, with Selectman Judy Colby voting in opposition.  Colby indicated she thought 3 years would be enough time, agreeing with the ORC.

Parker told selectmen the ORC is recommending the option of having one free standing sign instead of a projecting sign in the downtown sign district. This would allow businesses that are set back further from the road, like the First and Savings Bank of Maine, to have visible signs in conformance with the ordinance and meet the intent of the downtown sign district ordinance, according to Parker.

All freestanding signs would still need to meet the size and material requirements of the ordinance, and will only be allowed to be placed on the property and not within a right of way or sidewalk area. The proposed ordinance will allow a business to have either a freestanding sign or one attached to the building.

Although the ORS have a lot on their plate, the selectmen sent the sign ordinance amendment back to them to include the recommendations.

It is expected the voters will vote on the changes in the June 2013 town meeting.