Council approves zoning change for signs

After months of discussion and debate over signs, city officials and building contractors hope a zoning regulation amendment approved Monday night brings the matter to a close.

During its regular Monday night meeting, the Beatrice City Council approved 7-0, with Councilman Rich Kerr absent, a new amendment to the sign regulations zoning ordinance that would allow temporary on-premise contractors signs, temporary or portable signs and signs placed on natural objects such as trees and rocks.

For the past several months, the city council has discussed advertising lawn signs after someone complained that a lawn care service company had its advertising up too long on at a residence, Councilman Alan Fetty explained during the meeting.

After the issue was sent to the Planning and Zoning Commission, it came up with a plan to allow construction advertising law signs on new construction only. However, the council rejected the recommendation.