By Jennifer Wilson - The Jackson Planning Commission finalized wording of a proposed temporary sign ordinance that will fill a previously empty space in city municipal code. After City code enforcement officials began noticing business owners using temporary banner signs as permanent signs, the city noticed that their code didn’t specifically address temporary signs. Due to the current economic downturn, many businesses have erected temporary signs advertising special deals or sales in an effort to pull in more business. The Design Subcommittee of the Jackson Economic Development Committee has been working on the code. Involved in the effort is local sign expert Kam Merzlak, EDC member Shelley Scott, and Planning Commissioner Dave Butow, as well as city staff. As it stands, the ordinance, once adopted, will allow a temporary sign only to advertise a special promotion or sale, and may not be used as a permanent sign for naming the business. New businesses will be allowed to use a temporary sign for 60 days while a permanent sign is being made, and current business owners in Jackson will have 6 months to replace any temporary sign. Additionally, use will be limited to two signs at any given time, which may be erected up to 3 times a year, for a period of 30 days each. A permit fee of $25 will apply, and sign size will be limited to 16 square feet. The size limit drew some opposition. Currently, there are many signs erected throughout Jackson that greatly exceed that size limit, namely real estate “for sale” signs. Sally Bligh of Sierra Homes & Properties noted that limiting the size would be a detriment to most agents. “Most of my business comes from brokers driving through town and calling me from one of my signs,” explained Bligh, referring to the ease of noting her name and number on a large 3 by 20 foot sign. Bligh’s opinion was mirrored in a letter to the city from Joel Lesch, President of the Amador County Association of REALTORS®, which requested that commercial real estate signs have a 90-square foot size limit. The commission agreed to omit real estate signs from the ordinance, and will address that issue in a separate item of the municipal code. The next stop for the proposed ordinance is the Jackson City Council for review and consideration for adoption.