Sidewalk Signs Hearing and Swearing-in Ceremony Planned at Tuesday's Clayton Board of Aldermen Meeting

The Clayton Board of Aldermen will solicit feedback about an ordinance governing sidewalk signs during a public hearing and welcome newly elected board members at its Tuesday meeting.

In a request for board action regarding amendments to the city's sign regulations, City Manager Craig Owens states that the proposal is an effort to balance businesses' interest in having the signs with the need to keep sidewalks accessible to pedestrians and aesthetically appropriate.

Signs could be up to 25 inches wide and 38 inches high, the proposed amendments state.

at a recent meeting of the Clayton Retail Group. They argued those requirements would prevent them from using signs that are large enough to withstand strong winds. At the time, group leaders encouraged them to voice their concerns at Tuesday's meeting.

Design criteria and size standards "are intended to allow for signage of a reasonable size which is primarily visible to pedestrians and can be accommodated on the very limited space … that is present on many sidewalks," Owens states in the report.

The amendments would define a sidewalk sign as temporary markers "designed to be placed on the ground or attached to an outdoor seating area pedestrian barrier which may consist of one or more sign faces in a base or frame, back-to-back or joined together to form an A shape or similar style."

Those using them would have to ensure that unobstructed sidewalk of at least 5 feet in width adjoins signs placed on sidewalk and that a 3-foot bubble remains between signs and the edge of the pavement, parking stalls, other signs and fixtures such as street lights, trees and fire hydrants.

Also on Tuesday, Ward 3 Alderman-elect is expected to be sworn in. The ceremony will happen in a separate meeting following a discussion session on economic development and the board's regular gathering. and also are expected to be sworn in to new terms on the board.