A special committee is putting the finishing touches on aproposed sign ordinance that would outlaw portable advertisingsigns and address a number of other sign-related issues in thecity.

Under the proposal, “flashing arrow” and similar portable signswould not be grandfathered and owners would have 90 days to removethem after the ordinance goes into effect. Committee membersThursday were expecting some resistance to the proposal.

“That’s going to be our bone of contention. That’s where we’regoing to hear it,” said David Phillips, a member of the committeethat includes Building Inspector Steve Moreton and representativesfrom the city’s planning commission and board of adjustments.

As an alternative to the portable signs, which have been called”tacky” and “visual pollution,” committee members want to encourageuse of “reader boards” or message boards on permanent businesssigns. Examples of the boards include those found at variousfast-food or other businesses and feature the ability foradvertising messages to be changed when needed.

Committee members indicated that the overall ordinance does notprohibit businesses from advertising but does set up guidelines forthe practice.

“We’re not handcuffing anybody,” Phillips said. “They still havethe ability to advertise.”

Phillips said the ordinance hopefully will address currentissues and any sign situations that could arise within the next 20years or more.

Other committee members said they wanted to work with businessesto encourage compliance.

“The key is for everybody to comply,” said Lu Becker.

Fellow panel member Angie Warren indicated two-fold purpose forthe ordinance.

“What we’re here for is to protect the business owner, not justclean up Brookhaven,” Warren said.

The proposed ordinance governs permanent business signs, signsfor multi-tenant establishments, walls signs, ground signs, realestate signs and billboards. It also sets up guidelines fortemporary signs such as banners, inflatable displays, politicalsigns and holiday displays.

Citing the potential for a legal challenge from billboardadvertisers, the committee Thursday removed a provision statingthat billboards could only be placed on vacant lots. Instead, theyincreased from 1,500 feet to 2,000 feet the minimum distancebetween billboards.

“This is a balanced deal for businesses and the community,”Phillips said.

On the enforcement side, the ordinance sets up a penalty andappeals process for violations. The penalty upon conviction wouldbe between $50 and $500, and each day a violating remains in placewould be considered a separate offense.

The committee plans to prepare a final draft of the ordinanceand have the city attorney review before presentation to the mayorand board of aldermen for approval. The committee also discussedseeking additional funding for a police officer to serve as a codecompliance officer to assist with enforcement.

The ordinance would take effect one month after board approvaland publication.