The grassroots committee – consisting of small business owners, sign companies and representatives from Keep Evansville Beautiful and the Chamber of Commerce of Southwestern Indiana – was appointed by Mayor Lloyd Winnecke and Vanderburgh County Commissioner Marsha Abell. The committee, led by Area Plan Commission Executive Director Ron London, met twice in December. London drafted changes to the sign ordinance based on committee members’ comments and suggestions.
“The committee’s proposed changes would make the process of permitting signs much easier for businesses because the revised ordinance would establish some exemptions and eliminate temporary sign permits,†said Mayor Winnecke. “As I’ve stated before, I am committed to making Evansville a place where businesses not only survive but can thrive, and signage advertising their goods and services is just one way to get more customers in the door.â€
County Commissioner Marsha Abell added, “I am pleased with the constructive input from our committee. Their ideas will create a proactive environment that fosters businesses and helps them grow.â€
The committee’s proposed new sign ordinance will be sent to the Area Plan Commission for discussion at its meeting on February 13 at 4 p.m. in Room 301, Civic Center Complex. Copies of the proposed ordinance are available for review and can be found on the Area Plan Commission website at www.evansvilleapc.com .
“The discussion will continue at the Area Plan Commission meeting, and I hope anyone who wants to comment on the sign ordinance will attend the session and share their ideas since this is the entire community’s ordinance,†London said. “My goal is to reach a consensus, revise the ordinance based on the agreed upon comments and bring it back to the Area Plan Commission for final approval in March or April.â€
Once the proposed ordinance is approved by the Area Plan Commission it must go before the Evansville City Council and the Vanderburgh County Commission for final approval.
