Oro Valley resident Don Brisow has spent countless hours observing and reporting sign code violations to Oro Valley town staff. Many of these have been agreed to by staff, with remedial action taken. Some have not. Don is passionate that Oro Valley's sign codes matter and they they should be enforced. We asked him: Why do sign codes matter? Here is his response.
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Over the past three years, the Town of Oro Valley sign codes/regulations have changed significantly. Before the changes, there was more of a balance between community and business signage desires.
The current changes have shifted sign codes preferentially to businesses. Presently, the Town approach to signage is more, bigger, and brighter. In some case,s codes are ignored when considering new signage. Also, there is ample evidence that the Town operates with a don’t-ask-don’t-inspect approach to enforcing sign codes.
To support these pro-business actions, some members of the Town Council state additional signs are necessary to increase sales tax revenue. However, after three years there is no factual evidence to support their sale tax revenue claim. They further state that if sign code waivers are not allowed, an Oro Valley property tax will be required. This tax would be in addition to the current Pima County property tax. There is also no basis for this claim.
A balanced sign code does not deter businesses investing in Oro Valley. Businesses are interested in a thriving market area.
While Oro Valley seemingly turns a blind eye to sign codes, the fact is sign codes do matter. Codes that recognize realistic needs of both businesses and residents, balanced codes, do make a difference.
A well-constructed sign code which contributes to the Town will:
- Enhance community character
- Contribute to community identify and vision
- Help businesses attract customers Assist motorists and pedestrians in search of businesses
- Create a sense of place for businesses
- Reduce tension between the community and businesses
- Balance aesthetic, economics, and safety needs Protect the street-scape from degradation
- Control signage competition
- Assure compliance with current signage case law
- Improve the processing of permits
- Empower sign code enforcement
- Preserve illumination limits Permit type, location, and size of signage
- Allow varying requirement by Character Area, e.g. downtown, residential commercial, etc.
There are numerous subsections for each of the above and other reason why sign codes matter. However, the above list cites some of the positive impacts on a community where sign codes matter.
Sign codes do matter in Oro Valley!
Don Bristow
Oro Valley Resident
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