Airdrie City council unanimously approved a bylaw amendment at a regular meeting April 20 that will make it easier for businesses to communicate and advertise via signage throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The amendments to the Land Use Bylaw will provide sign placement and advertising relaxations, which will be in place until Dec. 31.
According to a report by Stephen Utz, community growth manager, "Administration is proposing the amendments to allow temporary and A-frame signs for advertising with the intent of allowing businesses to identify openings, closures, changes in hours and potential promotions as part of business retention and recovery. However, the proposed amendments to the Land Use Bylaw do not restrict the advertising to these specific purposes."
The relaxations remove restrictions on portable, lawn and A-frame signs for advertising, as well as application fees for using such signs, which range from $75 to $250. According to Utz, the changes also eliminate restrictions on third-party signs for advertising.
He added the relaxed regulations could cost the City up to $22,500 in revenue.
