July 23, 2019
At their June meeting, the Commissioners passed Ordinance 2019-3, amending the City’s sign regulations which were outdated and in some cases, unenforceable. While the City desires to protect the natural beauty of its residential neighborhoods from obtrusive and unsightly signs, it cannot prohibit signs altogether. The City does have the ability to regulate the location, purpose and size of signs that are installed on private property, as per Section 14-211 of the City Municipal Code:
• Except as otherwise restricted in this chapter or elsewhere
in the Municipal Code, temporary, freestanding, noncommercial signs may be placed or erected on any lot in any zoning district at any time. This category includes, but is not limited to: real estate signs, political signs, garage sale signs, estate sale signs, baby announcements, lost pet signs, special event signs, banners used for parades, and any other non-commercial messages. Home occupation
or contractor signs shall be considered commercial signs and are not allowed in any district.
• No temporary sign shall be placed in the public rightof-way.
• Temporary signs may not be illuminated and shall not exceed eight (8) square feet in area.
If you have any questions about the new sign regulations, please feel free to contact City Manager Beth Reardon, 615-297-6041 or breardon@citybellemeade.org.