City of South Lake Tahoe
1989 - TRPA Governing Board adopted a new code including sign standards. City option to postpone implementation until October 1, 1990, while the City prepared substitute sign ordinances ( equal to or superior ) for presentation to TRPA. Amended to January 1, 1991 1990 1993 - Planning Division conducted sign workshops with business owners to write the substitute sign ordinance. Sign Committee created sign formula to determine sign area for each individual sign face for building and freestanding signs.
1994 Ordinance adopted by City. 15-year amortization starts. City Sign Ordinance adopted by TRPA for use in the City. 1997 Council workshop to receive public input regarding repealing the City Sign Ordinance Council approves an amended sign ordinance clarifying unclear aspects
2002 City Council resolution declaring illegal/prohibited signs a public nuisance. 2004 Agencies join to combat the proliferation of illegal signs. Letters mailed to all businesses in the City. Sign enforcement started with the most egregious offenders. 2005 - Two City Code Enforcement Officer positions were eliminated. Enforcement of the sign ordinance was divided between the Police Department and the Planning Division.
2005 Amendments approved by Council but not approved by TRPA due to concerns about allowing balloons for grand openings. Public complaints regarding enforcement of portable and temporary signs. Council referred the matter to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation. Two Sign Ordinance Workshops held with the Planning Commission. Planning Commission unanimously recommended: o leave the existing sign ordinance in place without revision o staff to create a plan to bring all existing legal non-conforming signs into compliance with the Sign Ordinance amortization clause effective May 2009.
2007 Notices sent to all business and property owners regarding sign amortization expiring in May 17, 2009 2009 15-year amortization period ended. The first sign that required complete compliance was appealed and appeal upheld. Council directed staff to hold off on enforcing the required compliance for non-conforming permanent signs. Options presented to Council including repeal of ordinance, enforcement program, and incentive program. Council amended the sign ordinance to allow an additional 15- month amortization for non-conforming signs. New amortization deadline is January 2011.
2010 Council referred sign ordinance enforcement issue to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission recommended: staff work with the Chamber of Commerce to try to promote a self-policing program for signs look at revising our ordinance to include enforcement measures that can be accomplished to bring permanent signage into compliance and continue with the enforcement of temporary signs.
Non-compliant Compliant
Non-Compliant Compliant
Non-Compliant Compliant
Non-Compliant Compliant
Related projects Hwy 50 projects El Dorado Beach to Ski Run Bike Trail Bijou Commercial Core Erosion Control Improve it or Remove it
Goals Consistent direction Consistent implementation Encourage a desirable urban character consistent with the general plan. Improve the appearance of the city Eliminate confusing, distracting, or dangerous sign displays which interfere with circulation and the safety of drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Promote commerce. Promote ease of sign ordinance administration.
Minor Modifications to allow more signage opportunities Modify a select few elements of the sign ordinance to provide more opportunities to advertise sales and special events. Changeable messages Temporary Signage
Minor Modifications for more consistent enforcement Remove elements of the sign ordinance that we do not have resources to enforce. Real Estate signs Garage sale signs Mobile signs Simplify enforcement procedures
Incentives for Compliance Recognition Advertising Façade Improvement Program Design exceptions
Enforce Ordinance Enforce current ordinance requirements for permanent signage when property owners or tenants are making changes. New businesses assured that older signage will be upgraded.
Improve the Image of the City 74% of citizens responses to survey that they rate South Lake Tahoe appearances as fair or poor The intent of business signage is to identify a business, not to advertise it. Well designed and constructed signage can reflect the quality of the business.