Flags, 'feather' signs could see regulations

MOSES LAKE - A relatively new type of sign has come under the scope of the Moses Lake City Council, which directed city staff to look at regulations.

Community Development Director Gilbert Alvarado told council recently his department has dealt with several complaints regarding so-called "feather" or "tear-drop" signs, which are typically temporary in nature and made of fabric attached to a long pole inserted into the ground. Some display company or product names while others announce a sale is on or the business is open.

"As we currently have no provisions with the sign code that address feather or tear drop signs, staff is requesting direction from the city council in terms of action," he stated in a letter to council.

The signs are often placed within the city right-of-way, and Alvarado said his staff has witnessed them blow into the street or topple over, blocking sidewalk traffic.

Alvarado said code enforcement officers have so far addressed problems on an individual basis, but the increasing popularity of feather signs led him to inquire whether the city wants to enact new regulations.

The Moses Lake Municipal Code currently regulates the nature, quantity and placement of other types of signs, both in the city right-of-way and on private property.

"Too much of something can ruin it," Alvarado said. "In some cases these feather signs, albeit new and professional looking, they've been all over the place."

Councilwoman Karen Liebrecht agreed, saying the signs are an effective way to advertise but, like anything else, can be subject to overkill.

"I would hate to see them banned, but I would propose we place more controls on them with limits on quantity and location," she said, a sentiment backed by other council members.

Several council members suggested the city planning commission look at the issue and develop recommendations on regulation.

Councilman Jon Lane raised another issue - the use of holes drilled into city sidewalks that were originally intended to provide support for American flags on certain holidays.

"I don't think it ever is appropriate to use our flag holder for commercial signage," Lane said. "Maybe we could come up with some time limits to control that."

That problem was first addressed by the council in 1996, when a local business requested the use of city right-of-way to place an "open" and "sale" sign within the sidewalk holes.

At that time, the council approved the request but, after the action was taken, the city attorney pointed out other businesses would likely follow suit, Alvarado recalled.

"I bring this to the council's attention because that is what is occurring with some of the feather or tear drop signs," Alvarado stated.

City Manager Joe Gavinski said both issues will be forwarded to the city planning commission for review, but warned feather signs are just the latest trend for businesses looking to get around city regulations for the sake of advertising.

"There always seems to be something that comes along and tries to replace what was the last thing," he said. "These may be controlled and go away but something else will come in to replace them, I'm sure."