No new billboards will be allowed in Wildwood upon adoption Monday night of a comprehensive sign ordinance by the City Commission.
Existing billboards will be permitted and they can be repaired if needed.
The ordinance prohibits outdoor advertising in all zoning districts.
“It doesn’t allow any additional (billboard) permits to be issued,” said Melanie Peavy, development services director, who will supervise enforcement of the ordinance.
Exceptions can be made in large developments, where permitted signs would be spelled out in development agreements.
Existing billboards can be relocated under certain conditions, such as if the land where it stands is acquired for roadway expansion.
As alternatives to billboards, the ordinance encourages other forms of communication such as media advertising, pamphlets and direct mail.
Besides billboards, the ordinance also regulates all other types of signs. Many of these signs are not allowed in agricultural or residential zoning districts.
Signs placed on public property are illegal and can be confiscated. Illumination is not permitted for temporary signs. Monument signs are allowed at the entrances to residential developments.
Permanent signs require permits while temporary signs do not.
Peavy said the ordinance is likely to be modified in the future.
“We still have some work to do on it,” she told the commission. “We’ll anticipate that we’ll be coming back to you after we begin to apply it.”
Commissioners also approved a comprehensive noise ordinance that sets fines of $50 to $500 for violations. Construction equipment is exempted from the noise standards in developing areas.
Mayor Ed Wolf said the noise ordinance will make it easier to cite violators and provide “a little peace and quiet” for some neighborhoods.
