Palette Sign Banner Request, Chamber Music Festival

City Council Agenda Item Report FROM:

Jamie Wolters

MEETING DATE:

June 8, 2026

SUBJECT:

Right of Way Signage Request

DESCRIPTION: The Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck has requested approval to place signage within the public right-of-way on the Saugatuck Palette sign during the following dates: July 5–July 11, 2026, and July 26– August 8, 2026. The Chamber Music banner is not included in the approved signs listed in the updated palette sign policy, the Council is required per policy to deem the sign is: Reflective of the City’s character and values, to have traditional, historic, civic, cultural, or charitable importance to the City and/or its residents, and to otherwise be consistent with the public health, safety, and welfare. Because the proposed installation would occur within City right-of-way and on City-managed infrastructure, authorization from the City is required prior to placement. Under Section (L) of the Sign Ordinance, right-of-way signage requires a permit issued by the Zoning Administrator, who may approve the request administratively or refer the matter to City Council for final determination. This request has been referred to City Council for consideration and decision of the right-of-way permit as the approving body for use of City-controlled property. In evaluating whether to authorize the proposed installation, the following criteria in Section L(5) apply: a. Risk of harm: The potential for the installation to encroach into vehicular or pedestrian areas, or to break, malfunction, or otherwise create hazards; b. Compatibility and aesthetics: Whether the installation is compatible with the surrounding area and provides an aesthetic benefit to the community; c. Removal: The ease and cost of removal of the installation; d. Size: The proposed dimensions, including height and width; e. Materials: The materials used in the installation; and f. Staff review: Review, comments, and recommendations from City staff. BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED:

N/A

COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REVIEW:

N/A

LEGAL REVIEW:

N/A

SAMPLE MOTION: Move to approve/deny the right of way sign application from the Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck for the 2026 season dates of July 5th - 11th and July 26th - Aug 8th as the sign is reflective of the City’s character and values, to have traditional, historic, civic, cultural, or charitable importance to the City and/or its residents, and to otherwise be consistent with the public health, safety, and welfare.