Discussion came after businesses squawked and staffers said nearly 50 percent of downtown signs violate rules.
By MELIA BOWIE
Published June 26, 2003
NEW PORT RICHEY - City Council members decided to consider amending New Port Richey's downtown sign ordinance and its citywide ordinance during a work session this week.
The move came on Tuesday after increasing complaints from business owners and notification from city staffers that nearly 50 percent of the downtown area's signs violate the ordinance governing them.
"That may mean that some of them are too close to the street, too tall or too big or it could be any combination," said City Manager Gerald Seeber. Gathering a list of all the violations could take a month or more.
A number of business owners have come before the council in recent months seeking variances to the downtown rule.
"Typically, when variances are routinely granted, staff uses this as a sign that regulations need to be amended," said Fred Metcalf, development services director for the city, in a June 18 memo to council members. ". . . A variance should not be used as an "out' for addressing a code that is felt to be too restrictive or bad policy."
Council members also evaluated New Port Richey's citywide sign ordinance enacted in 1986. Property owners were told to conform by March 1991.
"This date came and went with no action taken by the city," Metcalf said.
The council directed staffers to clarify some terms in the existing ordinance and tighten parts of it that are now open to vague interpretation.
Council member Tom Finn added his preference for an amendment prohibiting new pole signs from being built. Meanwhile, council member Bob Langford and Mayor Frank Parker suggested the city follow parts of Pasco County's new sign ordinance.
A provision to remove and replace existing nonconforming signs must also be addressed, Seeber said. The earliest the council could take up an amended ordinance is October.
- Melia Bowie covers the city of New Port Richey. She can be reached in west Pasco at 869-6229, or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6229. Her e-mail address is bowie@sptimes.com
