PORT ANGELES – For the first time in two decades, the regulations for signs in Clallam County are up for reconsideration.

County Community Development Director Bruce Emery says a lot has changed with the ways businesses advertise since the sign rules were last adjusted in 2000.

“Technology has changed and there are things that people want to do that as changed. The character of the place has changed somewhat, and so the sign code itself has to change. There was a time when jurisdictions didn’t have a sign code and that was kind of fine for a while, but all of a sudden came more billboards and things it can really impact the aesthetic quality of an area. And for the sake of community identity and community aesthetic, we did adopt a sign code prior to 20 years ago. But the latest iteration is about 20 years old,” said Emery.

So, his staff has put together recommendations to the code. Among them, the new code clarifies many types of signs that are exempt from permitting altogether. The standards for commercial signs have been expanded, requiring monument signs to include a structure around the sign, adding landscaping at the base. The proposals also delve into new standards for electronic/digital signs which the old code did not address. Nothing was changed regarding signs on the scenic highway. The county has also added an enforcement section. The owner of an illegal sign will receive a letter and will have 90 days to correct the violation. If after ninety days the sign has not been brought into compliance, fines will accrue against the property.

“And so the sign code is intended to look at this stuff and still allow a person to advertise and and do what they need to to sell their product and attract business. But at the same time, without adversely impacting, the aesthetic quality of our communities,” said Emery.

Tonight (Wednesday) at 6 pm is a public hearing with the county planning commission. They will make a recommendation to the County Commissioners who will hold their own public hearing later before any of the changes would be officially adopted.