SANFORD — Folks who live or own a business here are invited to a workshop Monday night on a proposed ordinance that will regulate signage in the city.

The City Council has held a first reading of the proposal. The Planning Board workshop on Monday is the third of its kind. City Planner Beth Della Valle earlier this week said she expects there will be additional workshops on the matter.

Della Valle is urging folks to turn out for the 6:30 p.m. meeting. She said folks may also call her office at 324-9150 or submit a written statement by email to: bdellavalle@sanfordmaine.org.  

As well, Sanford Springvale Chamber of Commerce President Richard Stanley sent out a memo to members, making them aware of the workshop.

The proposed ordinance is designed “to control the size, location and design of temporary and on-premises permanent signs to reduce clutter, be aesthetically harmonious with its surroundings and enhance the overall appearance of the urban environment,” according to a preamble to the proposal. 

According to the proposal, an existing nonconforming sign must be brought into conformity with the provisions of the ordinance when it is structurally altered, rebuilt, enlarged or relocated or when the principal use of the property is changed to a residential use. Existing nonconforming signs may be maintained, repainted, or refaced and are not considered an alteration.

Signs not in use for a year must be removed, the draft proposal states.

The proposal covers a multitude of issues, including placement, size, lighting standards, the number of signs and more.

It also addresses the types of signs that are exempt from the proposed ordinance.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.