It was just a year and a half ago that the City adopted an updated Development Code that included new regulations barring hand-held signs, inflatable signs, and limited the display of balloons and temporary banners. But last February, City staff met with the Chamber of Commerce’s sign ordinance committee as well as attended a community-wide sign ordinance forum to gather input from businesses. It was determined that a short-term suspension of the enforcement of certain types of violations for temporary signs could help the business community at this time.
“We appreciate the Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to facilitate the needs of local business here in Duarte,” said Duarte City Manager, Darrell George. “The sign ordinance committee was instrumental in making this amnesty period happen.”
During the amnesty period, hand held signs will be permitted during daylight hours when not interfering with the safe flow of traffic. Small balloons up to 12 inches in diameter will be allowed with an approved temporary banner permit up to 105 days per year and a maximum of 30 consecutive days at a time. The display of inflatable signs and identification devices that utilize airflow to operate will be permitted during daylight hours when not interfering with traffic flow.
Two other concerns businesses raised with the City are also being addressed. City code enforcement staff has refocused duties in the commercial zones of the city on property maintenance and aesthetic issues, and on serious sign violations that create clutter. Since the February meeting, the City has also developed sign information brochures that are available at City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce and on the City’s website www.accessduarte.com.
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