The Christiansburg Planning Commission had this item on their agenda today: "Review of Advertising Ordinance interpretation regarding roof, wall, and marquee signage."
This item was prompted because a sign permit for a local business, Water by Design, has been denied. Town Manager Lance Terpenny interpreted the sign ordinance as not allowing the requested sign – even though a nearly identical situation has a nearly identical signage solution elsewhere in Christiansburg. This issue was raised by the building owner, Ms. Jane Jones, at the May 6, 2008 Town Council meeting. Ms. Jones also mentioned that the decision to deny the permit has been appealed to the Courts. The Mayor had previously directed the Planning Commission to review the Town Manager's interpretation.
Signs All Over the Map
Today, the Planning Commission rightly discussed the ramifications of changing the sign ordinance, and the length of time that would take. Councilwoman Carter pointed out that the applicant had been waiting since January. There was much back and forth about whether changing a word here or modifying a definition there would solve the problem.
Well into the discussion, no one had come close to addressing the task at hand: "Review of Advertising Ordinance interpretation regarding roof, wall, and marquee signage."
The question was asked "Is there any other recourse between the Town Manager and the Court system?" The Town Manager answered, "No."
Ms. Jones, then reminded Planning Commission members that Section 3-64 of the Town Code covers just such a situation: "Applications for unusual signs or displays which give rise to questions of interpretation of this article may be referred by the Town Manager to the Town Council for the purpose of interpretation by the Council and recommendation for action on the application by the Town Manager."
Town Can Solve Its Own Problems
Well doggone it, there IS recourse in between the Town Manager and the courts! Which is good, because the court system is already overburdened by inappropriate and frivolous lawsuits and other matters. The Town can solve its own problems.
A motion was made to refer the matter back to Town Council, with the recommendation that Council approve this sign permit. Additionally, the Planning Commission will review the sign ordinance overall and see what modifications may be necessary to suit current building styles.
Come to the Town Council meeting tomorrow night, May 20, to see how this saga ends.
The Door Opened a Crack
A highlight of the meeting was Planning Commissioner Wayne Booth's recommendation that the Town advertise the Planning Commssion seat that will come open in September 2008. This statement was supported by Planning Commissioner Bob Poff and Councilwoman Carter; Mr. Booth chose to wait to make a motion on this until everyone on the Commssion is present again.