How’s This Sign Idea? P&Z July 1 Deadline for Community Input on Signage Nears

In early June, Chris Hulse, chairman of Wilton’s Planning & Zoning Commission issued an invitation to the community to provide comment and feedback on the town’s existing signage regulations, by July 1. The call was part of P&Z’s “comprehensive” review of the current sign ordinances and their impact on small businesses’ ability to stay competitive in Wilton. That deadline is now approaching, next week.

The P&Z review was prompted, in part, by increased attention and press coverage on business viability in Wilton. Some business owners have voiced their opinions that the current sign code is restrictive, and not only limits their ability to succeed but threatens their chances of staying open.

One business owner who has been vocal on the issue is Megan Abrahamsen of Blue Star Bazaar. She has spoken in front of the Board of Selectmen about the issue and has been interviewed by Wilton’s news media, including GOOD Morning Wilton.

For the current review, Abrahamsen included her idea for a temporary signage template which she suggested could be used by all retail businesses, so that all A-frame signs would take on a uniform and distinct “Shop Wilton, CT” style (see the article’s main image). She submitted a proposal to P&Z that touches on permanent signage as well as temporary signage, including sign size, frequency of use, and placement, among other rules. Among her suggestions:

• ALL retail businesses should be permitted a building mounted sign of at least 6 square feet. If a business entrance is obscured/obstructed from road visibility, that business should be permitted to erect its building mounted sign on a separate building with approval from the property owner so that it can be viewed from the street.
• Businesses outside of Wilton Center should each be allowed roadside signage of at least 18” h x 36” wide. These options should apply strictly to RETAIL establishments. Separate regulations should be formed for offices or non-retail businesses.
• Each retail business should be permitted one a-frame/sandwich board sign that should meet the following requirements:
  • Conform to a town template (see article’s main image)
  • Be displayed only during business hours
  • Require an annual permit
  • Shall be removed during weather advisories
• Sign regulations in historic districts should follow historic design aesthetics (in terms of color, font, materials) but size requirements should match other business districts.

Anyone who wants his or her voice to be heard by P&Z on the signage issue is encouraged to send in comments and feedback before July 1–that’s next Wednesday.

Wilton’s sign regulations can be downloaded from the Town of Wilton website. Suggestions and constructive commentary can be either e-mailed to the Commission or mailed to the Planning and Zoning Commission, c/o Planning and Zoning Department, 238 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897.

Tell us what you think about her proposed sign template and ideas–or better yet, let P&Z know.