The Oro Valley Town Council signed off last week on changes to the townβs sign code, allowing the use of A-frame signs and outdoor displays on a permanent basis.
Since 2011, businesses in Oro Valley could only use the signs on a temporary basis.
Amanda Jacobs, the townβs economic development manager, said it is important for the council to help support local businesses, noting roughly 45 percent of the townβs annual budget comes from sales tax.
βThe approval of the A-frame signs and outdoor displays is an additional tool for businesses to market and direct residents and visitors to their businesses, Jacobs said.
Businesses with a sign permit will not need to re-apply with the town in order to use signs now allowed by code.
However, businesses that do not have a permit will need to contact the Community Development and Public Works Permitting Division and will be charged a $50 application fee.
The new sign code goes into effect next month.
The new code is unrelated to the threat of a legal challenge by the Goldwater Institute about a year ago related to restrictions on βsign walkersβ β people who carry signs along roads to advertise local businesses.
The Town Council opted to suspend the restriction shortly after receiving the correspondence from the Goldwater Institute.
