New rule would allow A-frame signs

In an effort to help local businesses better promote themselves, Douglas County is introducing an ordinance that would allow temporary A-frame signs and erasable signs to be displayed along streets for advertising purposes.

"It's really to get more exposure to businesses that don't have street frontage, especially in this economic downturn," said Community Development Director Mimi Moss.

Moss said representatives from the business community approached the county manager about the issue.

"We don't always know what the business community's needs are until they come forward," she said. "We appreciate working with the Business Council of Douglas County and other interested people."

County code already allows a business to place an A-frame sign near the front entrance of its building, but the new ordinance would allow a sign to be placed along the street that serves the business. It would also allow, with written permission from the property owner, any business within a commercial or industrial complex to place a sign on the portion of the property that fronts the street.

The county defines a complex as a "building or group of buildings within a single architectural plan housing three or more commercial or industrial units of operation where shared access, driveways, or parking is provided."

Moss gave the example of the Raley's center in Gardnerville. With permission from the property owner, an individual business within the center could place an A-frame sign along Highway 395.

"It would also allow erasable copy signs, such as for restaurants that hand write their specials," she said.

Moss said sign permits would cost $83, but would never expire. Before receiving a permit though, a business owner would have to show compliance with a set of guidelines.

First, the sign must be secured to the ground, bolted or weighted, and it can't block public sidewalks or right-of-ways. It also can't block visibility along the street or pose a traffic hazard.

As for size, the sign and its supports may not exceed 7.85 square feet in area, meaning a maximum height of 3.75 feet and a maximum width of 2.08 feet.

The structure must be square or rectangular in shape with and have a design that's compatible with the business and streetscape.

The actual sign area, not including supports, may include a logo, but must remain under six square feet. Magnetic or decal letting is acceptable, but the sign area must be of uniform type and color.

The first reading of the new sign ordinance will be Thursday at the county commission meeting, 1616 Eighth Street, Minden. The ordinance will also go before the planning commission at 1 p.m. on April 14. The county commission's second reading will be in May.