LaGrange City Council Rescinds Sign Ordinance

On January 23, 2008, the LaGrange City Council held the first reading of an ordinance calling for the repeal of the City’s current sign ordinance. This is a first step in developing a sign policy that is both business friendly and protects the interests of the growing LaGrange community.

The City’s sign ordinance has gotten a lot of attention lately as businesses have been concerned about the new size requirements, the grandfather clause and the way the ordinance has been administered throughout the community.

Last month, the Oldham County Chamber of Commerce took these concerns to the City Council. Ordinance Committee members agreed that the new policy was too stringent and a separate City ordinance was probably not necessary. Since then, the committee has been working with Chamber representatives to create a solution to this policy. Here’s what is being proposed as a solution at press time:

The committee has agreed to introduce an Ordinance to repeal the current LaGrange Sign Ordinance. As a part of this, the city will adhere to the Oldham County Sign Ordinance with a resolution offering a moratorium on banners, roof top signs and LED signs. The first reading of this Ordinance was held on Wednesday, January 23, 2008.

The committee will work with the office for planning and zoning to amend the Oldham County Sign Ordinance to include the moratorium issues. In other words there will not be a separate LaGrange Sign Ordinance.

The City’s sign issues will be specifically addressed in the County’s Ordinance in amended sections. This allows for a better streamline and more functional policy for business. In addition, the committee agreed that only the Planning Commission has the responsibility for issuing permits. Therefore businesses will be required to get a permit from the Planning and Zoning office.

Finally, it has been determined that all of our businesses currently operating in the LaGrange city limits will be able to continue with their signage as is as long as it is meeting the requirements of the Oldham County Sign Ordinance. Though no new businesses will be able to have a banner, roof top sign, or LED sign at this time.