Palmetto City Commission Approves New Sign Ordinance

PALMETTO – Monday night the PCC approved 3-2, with Mary Lancaster and Tambra Varnadore opposing, a new sign ordinance that would allow signs for food, lodging and gas businesses to be up to 85 feet high with 325 square feet of surface. This ordinance only pertains to the area on 10th Street East from Third Avenue to the parcels just to the east of Haben Boulevard.

Single businesses within the area that are not food applicable will be allowed signs 30 high and 76 square feet of surface.

Several small business owners came forward to support the measure, saying that it could lead to an increased amount of customers from the converging highways. However, boardmember Lancaster voiced concerns that the undertaking would distract from the quaintness of the town.

”I am not against signs,“ said Lancaster, ”I just don’t know if I want them that big."

Varnadore was more concerned with a trickle-down effect it could have on the community.

”I’m worried that if we grant these businesses special privileges, then more will come forward and request sizable signs.

There has been no change in sign ordinances for the last 18 years.The motion carried with several modifications. For one, vehicle repair businesses would not be eligible. Tamera Cornwell requested that the ordinance sunset in the year 2040. Attorney Barnebey informed Commission that the Planning and Zoning Board, which met April 13, 2011, had recommended the following relating to the proposal.

Integrated shopping centers in the area will be allowed signs 30 high and 150 square feet of surface area.

Commissioner Zirkelbach commented on the fact that Manatee County and other counties do allow substantially higher signs based on certain criteria. The tallest sign in Manatee County can be up to 100 feet if located on the interstate. Since 301 and 41 are considered major roadways, the ordinance was an attempt to be a magnet for passing traffic. Stipulations will be placed on signs in close proximity to residential areas.

The only residential subdivision nearby is Riviera Dunes. Mayor Bryant asked if anyone from that neighborhood was present at the hearing and when she didn’t receive an answer, she made the decision to vote in favor of the ordinance.

”It’s been 18 years, and it’s time to change this,“ she said.

A recent editorial in the Bradenton Herald criticized the decision to allow ”monstrous metal redwoods“ in the city. Mayor Bryant took offense to the comment and offered an intense rebuttal.

”I don’t know who wrote that article but I can guarantee they haven’t lived here as long as I have,“ she said. ”I was born here and therefore my opinion holds more clout. Not one person in here has opposed this ordinance, and I support it.“