Board members decided a public hearing wasn’t necessary, but citizens will have one last chance to speak on amendments to the township’s sign ordinance before its possible adoption on Nov. 21.
The Orion Township trustees held a first reading of the new ordinance on Nov. 7, and scheduled a second reading and possible adoption for their next meeting.
The township’s original ordinance goes back to 1984.
A sign ordinance committee spent the past six months making amendments and recently added local businessman Ken Kalin to the group.
Jennifer Coe, of township planning consultants Carlisle/Wortman, said the ordinance has changed language regarding right-of-way and also added language to allow multi-tenant signs.
The new ordinance also has provisions allowing larger signs where the set back is greater.
‘So they are still visible from the road,? said Coe.
Township attorney Kristin Bricker Kolb said concerns over political signs was what first prompted the idea that the ordinance might need to be changed.
‘Now they are classified as ‘non-commercial signs,?? she said. ‘Political signs, religious signs, messages…anything that does not advertise a product or service.?
After clerk Jill Bastian made a motion asking the board to set a public hearing for Nov. 21, trustee Matthew Gibb said the township had provided citizens adequate opportunities to speak.
‘I think (a hearing) just works to delay the process,? he said. ‘I believe the public has been involved…I think we should move this along.?
Bastian said she was concerned some people might not understand yet just how the ordinance would be affecting them.
‘This will affect every single person in this township,? she said. ‘Anyone who wants to put a sign on their property.?
Bastian also thought some of the new parts of the ordinance would prove to be ‘enforcement nightmares.?
‘By saying (a sign) has to be behind the right-of-way, you’ve taken away my right to have someone see it,? she said.