Susanville City Council to Review Sign and Banner Regulations Following Business Owner Concerns
SUSANVILLE — Recently, Susanville’s code enforcement staff began notifying local business owners that many banners displayed on their buildings are classified as signs under the municipal code. As such, these banners are subject to the city’s sign regulations, including permitting requirements and potential fees.
In response to concerns raised by business owners, Mayor Mendy Schuster requested that the issue be placed on the agenda for the City Council meeting held on April 1.
At the meeting, city staff explained that the regulations are complex and vary depending on the type and location of the signage. For example, some signs along Main Street fall under the jurisdiction of Caltrans since Main Street is a state highway. Caltrans regulations include restrictions based on the size of lettering.
With election season approaching, temporary political signs and banners remain exempt from permitting as long as they are smaller than 32 square feet and displayed with the property owner’s consent.
City staff also highlighted that there are many types of signage covered by the code, including free-standing signs, two-sided signs, commercial signs, window signs, decals, stickers, painted signs, and even signs installed before the municipal code’s adoption.
Enforcement staff noted that each new banner posted is considered a new sign, requiring a permit. Permit fees are expected to be $125 for banners and $245 for signs.
Some business owners expressed frustration with the current regulations. One owner shared that a previously approved and paid-for sign was later rejected due to its round shape, calling for clearer guidelines. Another noted that the city’s enforcement efforts are overdue, as his banner has been up for four years.
City Manager Dan Newton assured the council that no enforcement actions have been taken to date; the letters sent were courtesy notices informing owners of code violations.
Councilmembers discussed the accessibility of the sign regulations, with staff confirming the code is available on the city’s website and clarifying that banners are indeed classified as signs under the code.
Councilmember Curtis Bortle inquired about Caltrans’ authority over signs on Main Street, and Newton confirmed Caltrans oversees signs within the highway right-of-way.
Councilmember Russ Brown emphasized that while staff is fulfilling its duties, the city must also remain business-friendly.
Newton suggested that the main issue is the permit requirement and associated fees, which could potentially be adjusted without a full code revision to provide more clarity and ease for business owners.
The council directed city staff to review the
