Hi,…

Hi,

I recently heard about your call for feedback on the MTO sign policy. I've definitely got some:

-my neighbours' businesses have commercial signs, which is great (though it'd be nice if they could have light timers so the lights are off between 2-6 or so since the lights shine right into bedroom windows)
-my business is not allowed to have a commercial sign, according to MTO, since my municipal zoning is agricultural, not commercial. Since my business is a legal use under the zoning by-law, (and actually commercial zoning would inihibit my business use) it seems crazy that MTO could prevent me from having a commercial sign.
-my existing 32 sq ft sign is the largest I was told I could have due to my agricultural zoning. That may work for someone selling corn on the side of a secondary highway, but it's absolutely ludicrous for a larger tourist-oriented business with extensive highway frontage along a 90km/h zone. I'm repeatedly told by customers that they didn't even realize we had a sign.
-don't get me started on the TODS. Great concept, many flaws. And it's great for direction but lousy for advertising.
-I can't put in a billboard since there is another within 300m. While I generally like to minimum spacing related to 3rd party advertising, this shouldn't apply to landowners who want to advertise their own business. Of course, if I could have a commercial sign that was large enough, then it would be moot.
-there are obviously many cases of non-compliance with the sign policy. That's partly because it is not reasonable in many cases. If the rules are more reasonable, you'll get better compliance.

Cheers,
Jeff

[Original Comment ID: 205734]