By Perry Schaible
Enquirer contributor

HAMILTON - This Butler County seat has a new sign ordinance, a change officials say allows for more flexibility on the amount and placement while it requires all signs be properly maintained.

"The old ordinance was inflexible and resulted in a lot of variances," said Larry Bagford, zoning inspector for the city of Hamilton.

The new ordinance took effect Saturday. It provides for temporary signs such as banners or portable readers for 21 days per calendar quarter to advertise special promotions. Bagford said the former ordinance didn't allow for temporary signs aside from grand openings.

"Hopefully, that will be a plus for all the businesses who use those types of signs," Bagford said.

Another change allows the permanent sign area to be proportional to the building and lot street frontages.

Hamilton City Council approved the new ordinance last month.

Businesses have 60 days to comply. That gives business owners who have temporary signs time to apply for permits or get permanent fixtures in place, Bagford said.

While the grace period is in effect, officials with the Hamilton Planning Department will start an informational campaign so property owners know what signs need to be removed, a permit to be applied for, or variance procedures, officials said.

Chuck Smith, owner of Hamilton-Fairfield Dodge-Jeep in Hamilton, called the new ordinance a "positive step forward."

Smith helped create the ordinance with representatives of the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and other local sign and business owners.

"It was a collaborative effort to improve and clarify some gray areas in the old ordinance," he said.

A public information session will be held at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at Neighborhood Housing Services, 100 South Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Bagford said officials will hand out literature halfway through the 60 days as a reminder to business owners.

Any sign in good condition that was issued a permit before the adoption of the new ordinance is allowed to remain.

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To view the sign ordinance go to www.hamilton-city.org.