City adopts new sign code

SANDPOINT — Nearly two years of work wrapped up Wednesday following council members’ approval of the reworked city sign code.

Months of revisions and tweaks culminated in a no-fuss vote from the Sandpoint City Council, which passed the measure on its second reading. The code is a comprehensive reworking of the regulations governing the appropriate size, shape and allowable types of business signage, which special attention paid to businesses along Sand Creek.

According to Planning and Zoning Director Jeremy Grimm, it was the Sand Creek Byway that necessitated the substantial sign code revisions. With innumerable drivers now getting their only taste of Sandpoint at highway speed along a major state roadway, Grimm said it was important that city officials and business owners have tools to put its best foot forward.

As a result, the sign code establishes special standards for buildings and businesses along Sand Creek. Known as the Sand Creek Overlay District, this special area of town has its own code that city officials hope will inspire eye-catching and attractive signs targeting byway traffic.

Later in the night, officials cleared a contract with Vezmar Media Group to promote local business and industry. According to Grimm, the project originated as a a way to document the restoration of the Sandpoint Train Depot. As it developed, more organizations got on board, including the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency and the Business Improvement District. The videos produced through the contract will be available on both the Internet and through traditional media and will serve as tools for business recruitment and economic development. The council approved the project following strong recommendations for Vezmar Media. That included council president Shelby Rognstad, who said he once hired the contractor for business promotion work.

“I thought they provided exceptional value and offered a service you couldn’t find anywhere else,” he said.     

Council members also cleared the way for the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce to hold its annual Summer Sampler event. Held in Farmin Park, the Summer Sampler allows local restaurants, food providers and to show off their best dishes.

Earlier, they approved the Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee to pursue national recognition as a walk friendly community. A national program designed to recognize towns and cities that take extra measures to ensure pedestrian safety and mobility, the application process will cost nothing but volunteer time and will result in increased recognition and planning resources.

Finally, council members approved the purchase of a new police vehicle — a cost already worked into the police budget — and made some housekeeping changes to the city’s commercial zoning.