FH considers easing sign rules

FOUNTAIN HILLS - Fountain Hills may ease rules so businesses can put up more signs.

Drafted by civic and business leaders, the proposed ordinance change would slacken laws on the books governing where, when and what types of signs and promotions are permitted on town streets and in businesses.

The Fountain Hills Town Council is expected to vote on the changes by mid-November. They would allow:

• Small-business vehicles with signage to park next to the street.

• An unlimited number of American flags outside businesses (currently only one flag is allowed).

• Neon signs with business name and logo (currently only "open" neon signs are permitted).

• Balloons and pennants.

• Fifty percent, not 25 percent, of window area to be signage.

• Fewer restraints on A-frame signs.

• Business owners to park their vehicles on home driveways.

Proponents said the changes would enliven the downtown area, which they said has suffered from a weak economy.

Some business owners blame an overly restrictive town code for their tribulations.

"I like that the town seems to be trying to make it a little easier," said business owner Jane Minihan, who manages Sunset Gallery on Avenue of the Fountains.

Minihan said this is the first time that she has seen Fountain Hills try to appease local businesses since she opened her gallery 11 years ago.

The Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning Commission and local Business Advisory Council reviewed the proposal. Councilman Keith McMahan expects the Town Council to adopt it within 60 days,

It is about time the town became more business friendly, McMahan said. "Our downtown will not be sleepy hollow."

Former Fountain Hills Mayor Jerry Miles, who pioneered the code changes, said he was fed up with "horror stories" about businesses choked by regulations.

It would liberalize sign law only in business and industrial areas, he said.

"In the residential area, we're very restrictive on signs," Miles said. "We need more excitement in the (downtown) area."