Planner flags sign rules for tourist businesses

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 15, Issue 690, 10 June 1997, Page 7

Planner flags sign rules for tourist businesses

Signs of all kinds are covered by new rules under the Ruapehu District Council's proposed district plan and council planner Ian MacDonald has flagged the issue, considering the approaching ski season. "Signs can be a very emotive issue for business owners. There are, however, other aspects that need to be considered. Uncontrolled proliferation of signs can have an adverse effect on traffic safety," said Mr MacDonald. He calls on business operators to act responsibly, considering the importance of the sign rules and a traffic safety issue. "Signs that contain too much information, have small lettering and direct motorists off the main road can create unsafe conditions". He stated that to ensure the safe operation of the district' s roads, it follows that some kind of controls are necessary. "This need was reflected in the recent process of drafting the proposed Ruapehu District Plan. The provisions of this plan as they

relate to signs have now passed the point of challenge and can be considered operative. There are a number of basic factors that need to be considered when erecting signs." • A sign may only be erected on the site to which it directly relates. • In no circumstances should a sign be erected on road reserve. • The physical attributes of a sign (e.g. size, construction materials and lighting) vary according to the zoning of a site. For example a sign in the commercial zone can have external lighting and be larger in comparison than a sign in the residential zone. "Anything outside of these basic considerations will need resource consent and where a State Highway is involved, the permission of Transit New Zealand". He said a temporary sign may be erected off-site as long as it is noncommercial and is erected for no longer than six weeks. This is specifically aimed at information signs for such things as school reunions.

There are possibilities for recognised tourist establishments to erect signs displaying official international symbols off-site. Permission from Transit New Zealand or the Ruapehu District Council would be required. Mr MacDonald encourages members of the public to contact him if they are considering erecting a sign, to discuss how the District Plan may affect their proposal. "Council has found that when it is consulted prior to the erection

of signs it can often resultina saving of time and money to both parties."