The Murfreesboro Planning Commission is proposing changes to the current sign ordinances, which are set to be passed on to the Murfreesboro City Council. While the majority of proposed changes help simplify current regulations, one proposed change effectively eliminates a business owner's ability to control the signage in their own building.
The proposed sign ordinance creates a "safety zone," an area that spans from three feet above ground level to six feet above ground level. The ordinance prevents business owners from posting any signage inside of the "safety zone," including business names, logos, and hours of operation, as well as signage for local community events and non-profit organizations. The proposal prevents businesses from promoting both their own services and community events in this zone.
Advocates of the proposed restriction on small businesses cite the need for visibility into local businesses as the catalyst for change, which allegedly provides safety for police and fire officers. However, the measure fails to adequately provide such visibility because it does not limit curtains, shades or interior displays, which may entirely cover the interior of business windows. Even if the proposed visibility did promote safety, this ordinance guarantees no such visibility.
Local business owners who oppose further government regulation of their businesses see the proposed ordinance as a governmental overreach, which limits the marketing ability of Murfreesboro businesses. In practice, the proposed ordinance regulates space that is owned and paid for by private citizens and creates a burden on local business owners who already have signage and advertisements posted in their businesses. If passed, the ordinance will take effect immediately and businesses will have 1 year to comply; the proposed changes will not grandfather current business signage. Further, the proposed ordinance raises questions about the First Amendment free speech rights of local business owners, as the ordinance allows the government to tell a business owner where they can and cannot post certain signage.
We ask that you join the discussion about the rights of small business owners and the overreach of local government into the private conduct of local businesses.
Updates
August 12, 2015
I have been spending my time meeting with other shop owners who feel just as stifled by these new rules as I do. It is clear that we are all worried about how this overreach will hurt our ability to run our storefronts. Please know that I am reading every single story you share about how signage impacts your business.
August 12, 2015
Seeing this level of support reminds me why I started my own shop in this town. It is clear that I am not the only one feeling the weight of these unnecessary burdens on our storefronts.
9 Comments
Claiming signs in windows results in a safety issue is completely unfounded and an overreach of local government.
I'm wondering how this fits in with the ideals of a community which tends to lean republican and favor less government intervention.
Don't pass this kind of law.
We have enough regulations now.
Quit handicapping small businesses with these arbitrary edicts!
Enforce the current sign code, don't make new ones.
Completely outrageous! These politicians need a new hobby!
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The Murfreesboro Planning Commission is proposing changes to the current sign ordinances, which are set to be passed on to the Murfreesboro City Council. While the majority of proposed changes help simplify current regulations, one proposed change effectively eliminates a business owner's ability to control the signage in their own building.
The proposed sign ordinance creates a "safety zone," an area that spans from three feet above ground level to six feet above ground level. The ordinance prevents business owners from posting any signage inside of the "safety zone," including business names, logos, and hours of operation, as well as signage for local community events and non-profit organizations. The proposal prevents businesses from promoting both their own services and community events in this zone.
Advocates of the proposed restriction on small businesses cite the need for visibility into local businesses as the catalyst for change, which allegedly provides safety for police and fire officers. However, the measure fails to adequately provide such visibility because it does not limit curtains, shades or interior displays, which may entirely cover the interior of business windows. Even if the proposed visibility did promote safety, this ordinance guarantees no such visibility.
Local business owners who oppose further government regulation of their businesses see the proposed ordinance as a governmental overreach, which limits the marketing ability of Murfreesboro businesses. In practice, the proposed ordinance regulates space that is owned and paid for by private citizens and creates a burden on local business owners who already have signage and advertisements posted in their businesses. If passed, the ordinance will take effect immediately and businesses will have 1 year to comply; the proposed changes will not grandfather current business signage. Further, the proposed ordinance raises questions about the First Amendment free speech rights of local business owners, as the ordinance allows the government to tell a business owner where they can and cannot post certain signage.
We ask that you join the discussion about the rights of small business owners and the overreach of local government into the private conduct of local businesses.
Updates
August 12, 2015
I have been spending my time meeting with other shop owners who feel just as stifled by these new rules as I do. It is clear that we are all worried about how this overreach will hurt our ability to run our storefronts. Please know that I am reading every single story you share about how signage impacts your business.
August 12, 2015
Seeing this level of support reminds me why I started my own shop in this town. It is clear that I am not the only one feeling the weight of these unnecessary burdens on our storefronts.
9 Comments
Given that many businesses have darkly tinted windows &/or window coverings, there seems little reason or need for this kind of restrictive ordinance which merely serves to impede the ability of business owners to post informational flyers, ads, or posters in their store windows. It also represents an unwelcome governmental intrusion on the right to free speech and free enterprise. Its passage will do little to enhance either the safety or best interests of the public or that of our business community.
Claiming signs in windows results in a safety issue is completely unfounded and an overreach of local government.
I'm wondering how this fits in with the ideals of a community which tends to lean republican and favor less government intervention.
Don't pass this kind of law.
We have enough regulations now.
Quit handicapping small businesses with these arbitrary edicts!
Enforce the current sign code, don't make new ones.
Completely outrageous! These politicians need a new hobby!
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Given that many businesses have darkly tinted windows &/or window coverings, there seems little reason or need for this kind of restrictive ordinance which merely serves to impede the ability of business owners to post informational flyers, ads, or posters in their store windows. It also represents an unwelcome governmental intrusion on the right to free speech and free enterprise. Its passage will do little to enhance either the safety or best interests of the public or that of our business community.