Consider Adopting an Emergency Ordinance Allowing Temporary Signage within Public Rights-of-Way on an Interim Basis as Additional Business Assistance Tool Due to Stay at Home Order

The Anoka County Board of Commissioners recently authorized the placement of temporary signage within county rights-of-way as a means of assistance to businesses due to COVID-19.  This temporary authorization is valid for two (2) months after the end of the Governor's stay at home order.  Their action specified certain standards that must be adhered to, including size (sign plate can be 3 feet wide and 2 feet high), height (cannot be taller than 3.5 feet from ground to top of sign), signs must consist of an 'H' frame wire stakes that can be inserted into the ground by hand or foot, etc.  Their action does not override a municipality's ability to enforce local sign regulations.  Thus, Staff is seeking a recommendation from the EDA as to whether the City should consider implementing a similar exemption specific to business re-openings and alternative service delivery options.

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The City's Sign Ordinance prohibits the placement of temporary signs in public rights-of-way (Section 117-465).  However, during the current pandemic and the impacts it is having on our business community, it seems that there may be an opportunity to provide some 'assistance' by allowing certain temporary signs in the right-of-way that focus on business re-openings and alternative service delivery options.  Anoka County has already established a framework of standards that could be utilized should this opportunity be supported by the EDA and City Council.

In an attempt to help focus on those re-openings and alternative service delivery options, Staff would recommend that this be restricted to business and employment zoning districts and, more specifically, exclude residential zoning districts.  Furthermore, the dimensional standards approved by Anoka County, along with their 'dos and don'ts', would help limit potential site line obstructions and other potential safety concerns.  Staff would further recommend that any of these temporary signs that are installed should be limited to being placed in front of the specific business, meaning that these types of signs could not be installed in numerous locations throughout the city.

If the City Council desires to implement this short-term allowance of temporary signs within the public right-of-way, it can be done via an Emergency Ordinance, as it would be for the health and welfare of the business community.  This could be considered by the City Council at their April 28, 2020 meeting and, since it would be an Emergency Ordinance, it could be adopted that same evening.  

Staff believes this is another tool that can be offered by the City to provide some assistance to the business community and one that could be implemented without incurring any additional cost.

This is being handled as part of Staff's regular duties.

Staff recommends approving an Emergency Ordinance to provide relief for the business community by allowing placement temporary signage within public right-of-way beginning immediately and remaining in place until two (2) months after the end of the Governor's stay at home order.

Motion to recommend City Council adopt an Emergency Ordinance to allow temporary signage in public rights-of-way during the current stay at home order and up to two (2) months after that order ends.