No more digital signs

Update to sign bylaw OK’d by city council prohibits digital signs in commercial areas, except for those already approved

New digital signs will be banned in Kelowna, but garish portable ones can still stand, city council has decided.

A comprehensive updating of the city’s sign bylaw was passed unanimously on Monday with council members acknowledging the new rules won’t please everyone.

“This wasn’t an easy undertaking, (but) it’s a good middle ground,” Mayor Colin Basran said.

“We’re not going to make everyone happy, but it was good to have so much consultation over time,” said Coun. Tracy Gray.

“Everybody has an opinion on this, and I think we’ve heard most of them,” said Coun. Mohini Singh.

A key feature of the new sign bylaw is a prohibition of new digital or animated signs in commercial areas. Some that have already been approved will be grandfathered, but city officials were concerned about a proliferation of digital and animated signs, particularly along Highway 97.

“That would really change the character of the corridor,” said Ryan Smith, a city planner . . . . If we allow any more in the community, it’ll be unlikely or very difficult to get rid of them.”

The maximum height of new freestanding signs will be lowered to five metres from eight metres. But the maximum size of the display area will be enlarged slightly, council heard.

Sandwich boards typically used by downtown businesses will be allowed, sellers of commercial properties will need to get a sign permit, and permit fees will be raised considerably to match levels charged in other cities in British Columbia.

After much discussion, council decided not to ban portable signs as staff had originally proposed. Many small business owners say the signs are valuable and effective, despite some criticisms the signs are ugly.

For his part, Coun. Brad Sieben said he was against banning portable signs altogether, but would have been open to prohibiting the use of “neon colours” on such signs.