SNOHOMISH — City leaders are reviewing options for A-frame signs and assessing their impact on citizens and businesses.
The city has been studying the effects of A-board signs on sidewalk users and local businesses as part of a larger discussion on policy options and potential code updates for Right-of-Way Use and Sidewalks and will continue the discussion at the May 7 City Council meeting.
A-frame signs have sparked differing opinions from community stakeholders. Some support the signs used on sidewalks for easy advertising while others think the signs cause ADA issues.
*Another consideration is permitting them in the Historic District, where they have been prohibited for several years. However, despite prohibition, businesses still use them.
“They (A-boards) are a charming addition to the small town feel of the district and are particularly helpful to businesses who are tucked around,” said Snohomish Downtown Historic Association (HDSA)’s Executive Director Maygen Hetherington, who is also on the City Council.
The A-frame signs have some critics. Heidi Mann, owner of Heidi’s Sandwichboard along First Street, said she isn’t a proponent of the signs.
“I do not think a single business along First Street should have A-frame signs in front of their establishments or place their signs on the corners of the avenues,” Mann said.
Mann suggested a solution for businesses still seeking exposure in busy areas.
“Instead of the scattered (and cluttered on several corners) A-frames, I would like to see more permanent signage placed on the corners of each of the avenues. Such as a metal pole with nice signage/arrows that the various disadvantaged and low visibility restaurants and shops on the avenues could then display their businesses names on,” Mann said.
Up until recently, wayfinding signs like the ones Mann recommended were installed downtown.
City spokeswoman Shari Ireton said the program ended after an ADA study found the signs non-compliant and unsafe. After contacting affected merchants, the signs were removed.
To explore the issue, a staff group was assembled to work with the city’s Design Review Board to make a recommendation to council. The staff included city administrator Heather Thomas and city planning director Brooke Eidem along with public works director Nova Heaton.
The staff set out to gather as much input from as many sources as possible.
“We’ve been soliciting input, preferences, and ideas from businesses and property owners and pursuing a collaborative approach to evaluating these policy options in the public right of way,” Eidem said.
Proposed amendments to the current sign policy would focus on annual renewal of sidewalk use permits and potentially converting the required fee to a one-time payment. Another change would involve allowing A-board and sandwich board signs in the Historic Business District. Additionally, there was* an examination of policy and funding options for sidewalk construction, repair, and maintenance.
A vote will occur at the May 7 City Council meeting.*
*- correction and update:
In the May 1 article, “A-board signs being re-evaluated in Snohomish,” the story incorrectly reported A-boards require a permit. Current code says they do not. The story also reported the research and proposals would be at the May 7 meeting. This was presented April 16. The Tribune regrets the errors.
The update to the online version of this story on May 3 removes two lines discussing A-board permits being required.
