Gustafson Dodge raises Sign Bylaw concern

Gustafson Dodge in Williams Lake

In an Agenda Item going before WL Council's Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday - local businessman Kerry Gustafson, on August 21st, wrote to WL Mayor Kerry Cook concerning the requirement of a 'Cariboo Theme' for signage for his business, as part of the City of WL Sign Bylaw which was updated this past spring to ensure City regulatory bylaws are in line with the City's new OCP and the previous 'Imagine our Future' process.  Mr. Gustafson is presently completing facade upgrades, etc to his business

City Staff lay out options before the Committee as follows:

1) Reaffirm the Bylaw and the requirements to the local Chrysler Dealership and seek compliance with the Cariboo Theme;

o Pro: Consistent approaches for all sign permit applications. Implementing the vision of a “Cariboo Theme” as outlined within the Official Community Plan.
o Con: Poses an extra cost and a slight time delay for the Chrysler Dealership as the local management did not make effort to consider design alterations to comply with the sign permit application requirements.

2. Amend the Sign Bylaw to either omit the requirement to comply with the OCP and/or have clear exemptions for applicants to allow staff to enforce development procedure consistently;

o Pro: This type of amendment will allow for a streamlined approach for applicants and allow them to not have to consider the City’s theme or local architecture when developing within the City. Provide clear exceptions for staff to work with and implement.
o Con: Providing exemptions by either cost or type of business or corporation would create inconsistencies in the implementation of the “Cariboo Theme”. Would create a larger challenge for staff in making arguments for business to comply when there are avenues for some businesses to have exception.

3. Amend the Sign Bylaw to completely remove the requirement to comply with the OCP “Cariboo Theme” for signage.

o Pro: Consistent approach to all sign permits, and would place a greater onus on larger projects that exceed the exceptions stated within the Development Permit Areas under the Official Community Plan.
o Con: During the OCP development the community expressed interest in a unified design or façade program for the entire city. As a part of the OCP implementation, the City committed to conduct comprehensive reviews of Bylaws to ensure all regulations conform to the OCP. When the Sign Bylaw was brought up for review, this was an opportunity to include reference and ensure that the Guidelines for Development were consistent and achievable during the installation of new signs and facades on buildings.

Without knowing the precise nature of Mr. Gustafson's complaint -- I would be in favour of Option #2 which then would give City Staff flexibility to work with the public, with regard to developments and the new Sign Bylaw and any potential concern(s) brought forward by the public

City Staff are recommending the Committee adopt Option #1 - Re-affirm the Sign Bylaw and require compliance with all terms of the Sign Bylaw

Read the City's Planner report in full here