Politics & Government

Public Hearing on Freeway-Facing Signs

The city supports allowing shopping centers along Highway 101 to put signs on the back of stores; critics say the last minute change, prompted by the developer, alters Petaluma's character and should not go forward.

The debate over freeway-facing store signs is back.

On Monday, the city will hold a public hearing to consider changing the current zoning ordinance to allow all shopping centers facing Highway 101 to put up signs.

Supporters of the change say the signs, which will be lit at night, are a good way to attract customers, especially to the soon-to-open Target shopping center. Opponents say they will create visual clutter and make Petaluma look like Anytown USA.

Find out what's happening in Petalumawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

They also say the change, initially proposed by Regency, the Target developer, is a "bait and switch" tactic because the signs were not allowed when the project was approved.

"People always say 'Petaluma is a special town,'" said Janice Cader-Thompson, a resident who is opposed to the proposed Deer Creek (Friedman's) development. "I would much rather see a green gateway with trees and plants rather than tall retail monuments and lit up signs on the backs of large walls."

Find out what's happening in Petalumawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Numerous councilmembers support allowing wall mounted signs, which Regency has described as “tasteful and uniform.”

If approved, the signs would be allowed on the backs of any shopping center with five or more businesses on a single parcel of land, including Plaza North and Plaza South. Both have expressed an interest in adding the signs.

Freestanding freeway-facing signs would remain prohibited.

Monday’s council meeting starts at 6:30pm at City Hall, 11 English Street.

What do you think about the proposed change to the city's ban on freeway signage? Will it help business or detract from Petaluma's unique character?


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