Zoning violations addressed

By MIKE RICHESON

Bigfork Eagle

The issue of sign violations has been a growing topic of concern at recent Bigfork Steering Committee and Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee meetings.

Within the Village and the Highway 35 corridor, both of which are in the Bigfork Zoning Area, citizens are claiming that more and more businesses are erecting signs that not only violate Flathead County regulations, but also detract from the area’s scenic character.

The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee (BLUAC) has decided to serve as a point of contact concerning zoning violations.

The process for handling complaints BLUAC receives will be:

? Determine if there is a violation.

? Suggest personal contact, neighbor to neighbor.

? The business or individual will be notified by a letter from BLUAC identifying the specific regulation. The letter will contain a copy of regulations, ask the individual to please correct the problem within 30 days and provide contact information for any questions.

? If the individual has not responded after the deadline has expired, BLUAC will forward the information to the Flathead County Planning Office with all pertinent information, including photographs if appropriate.

“Our intent is to keep it as low-key and neighbor-friendly as possible,” John Bourquin, BLUAC chairman said.

The regulations at issue regarding signage are:

? 5.11.020 1: Animation: Signs shall not rotate, move, flash, change or blink, except if utilized by a governmental agency for public safety or information. An electronic message center may display changing information but shall not flash or blink the message or picture display. 2: Wall Signs: Projection of wall signs shall not exceed two feet measured from the face of the building. No wall sign may project above the highest point of roof structure of the building to which it is attached.

? 5.11.020 3E: Area and setbacks of signs shall be permitted in accordance with Table 1. (This table sets distance to edge of right-of-way. No signs shall be placed within any public right-of-way.) F: When electrical service is provided to freestanding signs or ground signs, all such electrical service shall be underground and shall be in accordance with the National Electrical Code.

? 5.11.020 6: Roof Signs: No roof sign shall extend beyond 28 feet and/or the highest point of the roof.

? 5.11.020 10: Manual Changeable Copy: Any permitted sign may include manually changeable copy in up to seventy 70 percent of its area. Portable or moveable reader boards may be displayed on-premise to advertise special events or grand openings in commercial or industrial districts for a period not to exceed 10 calendar days within any three-month period subject to written approval of the Zoning Administrator.

? Policy 11 Bigfork Area Land Use Plan adopted in 1993: Portable signs may not be used for permanent display.

Information about BLUAC and contact information is available at www.bigforksteering.org.