Whether you call them a sidewalk sign or an A-frame, you’ll find that people either love them or hate them — and the mayor of Madison, WI has decided that he hates them.  These signs have recently become a ubiquitous part of the landscape in most commercial areas, and there is no arguing that many of them are unattractive.  It is also undeniable that they sometimes block the right of way, especially for those using a wheelchair or stroller.

Many small business owners, however, feel that an A-frame sign is essential to calling attention to their shop or restaurant.  This is especially true of those whose business is on a side street, or an upper level of a building. The possibility of a total ban against these signs makes them very unhappy.

The main argument agains A-frames is that they detract from the aesthetic charm of an area. It is true that many are unattractive, either because they are mass-produced or created by an amateur with no sign-making skills.  Signs that advertise constant sales are also not a pleasing addition to the commercial landscape.

Almost every area has a sign regulation banning A-frames in the public right-of-way, but enforcement tends to be spotty.  In fact part of the controversy currently bubbling up in our area is the mayor’s suggestion that he’d like to enforce the sign codes that are already on the books, but have largely been ignored. These codes ban A-frames.

Changing the sign regulations to include provisions that everyone can abide by seems to be a good solution, and the one that Arnold, Missouri recently passed sounds workable. Instead of banning A-frames entirely, the Arnold City Council approved an ordinance stating that A-frame signs must be within 10 feet of the owners’ business entrance, can only be displayed during business hours, and must never be placed to hamper pedestrian access or impede the movement of people with disabilities.

In addition, they specified that the signs be no greater than 4 feet tall or 3 feet wide, have no reflective or florescent items, and have a finished appearance.  I especially like the idea of “a finished appearance,” which is not entirely the case with the one illustrating today’s blog. (Although I do think that a well-done blackboard sign can be very attractive.)

I hope that our city is able to take a tip from Arnold, MO and look into a way to make A-frames work for the merchants without detracting from the city’s appearance.  Has your community faced this issue? Please let us know what solution has worked for you.

Happy Retailing,

Carol “Orange” Schroeder