Madison’s Urban Design Commission approved a framework for allowing street signs — often referred to as sandwich boards — outside of city storefronts, but it wants the city to include language directing the rules for such signage, including quality, placement, and number of signs allowed.
According to The Capital Times, such rules would include size requirements (not larger than 30 inches wide by 48 inches high), and positioning, such as placement only on a business’ sidewalk or terrace, but not on a median or crosswalk, curb, or other area.
Between 50 and 200 signs would be allowed, and permits would cost $100 each, bringing the city an estimated revenue of between $5,000 and $20,000.
Madison Mayor Paul Soglin hopes city staff considers other alternatives, as he’s concerned about sandwich boards causing street clutter and impeding people in wheelchairs.
