Purpose

The purpose of these provisions is to enhance the appearance of the Town by lessening the haphazard placement and clutter of signs, as well as to provide a business-friendly climate that is compatible with the surrounding environment. Signs perform important functions for way-finding, communicating messages, and providing information about goods and services; however, if not properly regulated, signs may have detrimental impacts on the visual and perceptual environment. Therefore, the Town regulates signs in order to:

• A. Promote the safety, comfort, and well-being of the users of streets, roads, and highways;
• B. Reduce distractions and obstructions from signs which would adversely affect traffic safety, and alleviate hazards caused by signs projecting over or encroaching upon public ways;
• C. Discourage excessive visual competition in signage and ensure that signs aid orientation; and,
• D. Enhance municipal character by encouraging new and replacement signage which is creative and distinctive, compatible with the surroundings, appropriate to the type of activity to which it pertains, and, appropriately sized in its context so as to be easily legible.