New city sign rules go into effect beginning of Oct.

The Rochester City Council voted to adopt a new sign ordinance on June 16, 2015. The Council approved the new sign ordinance per the recommendations of the Planning Board and Codes & Ordinances Committee.

The new sign ordinance went to the following for review: Economic Development Committee, Historic District Commission, Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Rochester Main Street and various City Departments. This is a complete overhaul of the previous 1986 Sign Ordinance.

Some of the signs that are now permitted include: directory signs, roadside farm stand signs, special promotion signs, and special event signs to include overhead street banners.

The new sign ordinance in its entirety can be found at Chapter 42.29 (www.RochesterNH, net, click on Departments, City Clerk and General Ordinances, Zoning - Chapter 42). Signage begins on page 188.

In order to get the information out to the public, a brochure featuring some quick facts is available online and will be distributed to those seeking permits for signs, as well as available in various City departments.

In addition, the newest episode of the City Manager's Corner features information on the new sign ordinance and will also be broadcast, with several repeats, on the Government Channel (Metrocast Channel 26) or it can be found online at: https://vimeo.com/139574647.

Enforcement of the new sign ordinance will begin on October 1^st by the Building, Zoning and Licensing Services Department. If you would like to report a sign that may not be in compliance with the new sign ordinance, please call Building, Zoning and Licensing Services at (603) 332-3508.

If you have questions about the new sign ordinance, please contact the Planning & Development Department at (603) 335-1338.