One of the most notable issues deliberated was the regulation of permanent and temporary signs. The Council examined the necessity of permits for all signs, regardless of size or type, including those for temporary events like garage sales or real estate listings. The proposed permitting process aims to create a record for code enforcement and facilitate the removal of unpermitted signs. There was a notable conversation about the financial implications of permit fees, with a suggestion that smaller signs should not incur high review costs. The Council also contemplated whether permits should be a one-time fee or require renewal, with the potential benefit of ensuring signs remain current and accurate.

Concerns were raised about the implications of these regulations for churches, particularly those in the Agricultural Residential (AR) district. The discussion suggested that churches might need to consider changing their zoning classification to accommodate more appropriate signage options. The Council also addressed the specifics of permanent signs for properties of five acres or more, allowing for a primary sign of nine square feet, two secondary signs of four square feet each, and one temporary sign of the same size. Height limitations for these signs were also discussed, with a cap of six feet, and non-conforming lots restricted to one permanent and one temporary sign.

The Council emphasized the importance of signs being structurally sound and recognizable from a distance, balancing functionality with aesthetic values. This included ensuring that signage regulations did not lead to excessively tall signs while still providing necessary visibility. There was a consensus on the need for properties to post their address at the entrance, which would not count against the signage limits. The aesthetics of entrance signs were also debated, with suggestions that they should not be temporary or made of undesirable materials.

The environmental impact of certain types of signs, such as balloons, was another focal point. A strong opposition to balloon signs was expressed due to their potential harm to wildlife, particularly turtles. This was echoed by one participant, who firmly stated, “Balloons are terrible for the environment. I’m sorry. I don’t like balloons,” advocating for strict conditions if balloons were to be allowed at all. The Council appeared generally aligned in prohibiting permanent banners and maintaining skepticism about the necessity of benches and their associated signage.

Pole signs and their compatibility with the town’s rural character were another contentious topic. The Council considered the distinction between pole signs and monument signs, with the latter being more solid and lower to the ground. Members expressed openness to allowing pole signs in commercial areas but voiced concerns about their aesthetic compatibility. Projecting signs, often associated with urban settings, were deemed inappropriate for the rural environment.

The Council also explored the regulation of window signs, animated signs, and snipe signs, with a consensus that window signs visible from public spaces would be regulated. Animated signs remained prohibited, and snipe signs, often temporary and low-placed like political campaign signs, were opposed due to potential landscape clutter. Strip lighting, defined as lighting accompanying a sign, was also disallowed.

The discussion extended to vehicular signs, with concerns about the visual impact of delivery trucks bearing business logos. The need for conditions regulating such signage was proposed, addressing whether vehicle signage should be prohibited or allowed under specific guidelines. Abandoned signs were also a topic of discussion, with a strong consensus to eliminate them, pending a clear definition of what constitutes an abandoned sign.

Wayfinding signs and their implementation in the AR district were discussed, with skepticism about their effectiveness due to the narrowness of roads and the prevalence of smartphone navigation. Participants suggested monument signs at the beginning of roads to guide visitors without overwhelming the area with individual business signs.