Artesia Plans Comprehensive Review On Signage

The city of Artesia is looking to review the municipal sign code in its entirety to reflect the changes over the years since its last revision.

During last month's Artesia Planning Commission’s meeting, Jim Eckerd of the Artesia city prosecutor’s office presented the panel with plans for a comprehensive review of the sign regulation laws in place.

“It would be modified on a variety of factors involving business practices, current legal doctrines that have come out of judicial decision as well as new, evolving sign technologies,” he said.

Some of the topics as part of the city’s revision plans include streamlining the code to modify the licensing process, the content neutrality of the various regulations on signage, road safety and new technology.

Eckerd acknowledged that in tough economic times like now, many businesses are applying for sign permits more than ever as a means of visual promotion—and many businesses are cited for code violations as well.

“We want to make sure our regulations are still appropriate and specifically making sure that the regulations the City has and the ones that they might be proposing to the Planning Commission and later to the City Council appropriately regulate the time, place and manner of the speech that business want in their signage,” he added.

The city also hopes that any revision to the signage laws will prevent hazards to motorists who are distracted by signage.

Other actions from the October meeting include:

• The commission approved 4-1 multiple variances for Councilwoman Sally Flower's residence.
• Chase bank will open a branch in the future near the intersection of Pioneer Boulevard and Artesia Boulevard thanks to approval of a conditional use permit and design review.

The next Artesia Planning Commission meeting will be held on Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. For more information, call (562) 865-6262 or go to www.cityofartesia.us.