More business signs OK'd in road construction zones

In recognition that businesses in construction zones are suffering, the city has adopted a policy allowing them to place additional temporary signage to attract customers.

By administrative order, the change in the city's temporary sign ordinance went into effect Tuesday while an actual amendment to the sign ordinance makes its way through the Yuma City Council, announced City Administrator Mark Watson.

The intent is an effort to provide immediate relief for businesses with the winter season here and holidays fast approaching, times that can be critical to the survival of a business, Watson said.

Under the new policy, a business in a long-term construction zone such as along Avenue A or 16th Street can have 100 square feet of additional signage at no fees to the property lessor or owner.

That can be one large banner, three 4-by-8-foot plywood sheets or several smaller signs as long as the space totals less than 100 square feet, Watson said - whatever the business owners think best fits their needs, he added.

The signs could advertise "two for one margaritas, a lunch special or whatever. It's their choice."

The idea was to keep the policy simple while benefiting the business owner, Watson said.

"If a business thinks additional signs will help them, the city doesn't want to stand in the way. We're just trying to give them a boost."

All the city asks is that the business owner fill out a form that outlines their plans that can be kept on file. Then, when the construction project is completed, a card will be sent out to the businesses advising them that the temporary signs now have to come down, Watson said.

Limitations include that the signs must be placed on the business' property and not in public rights of way, nor pose a hazard to traffic and pedestrians. Also, no materials such as fliers or balloons may be used.

Requests for special signage have come before the council by business owners pleading for relief in the face of road construction that is limiting visibility and access to their businesses.

Watson noted that the city also has tried to assist the businesses by paving 18th Street to provide access to businesses on the south side of 16th Street. The city also has placed blue signs to provide directions for alternative access to businesses impacted by road construction.

It was suggested Tuesday by council members that more such signs would be helpful, especially along 16th Street. That, too, will be looked into, Watson said.