Sign Code Update: Finding the Sweet Spot

"After complaints from the local business community, the City of Lacey, Washington, reached out for help to update their code. Lacey adopted a relatively strict sign code in 1997 to transition their image from its strip commercial past towards the community’s new vision. While the strict sign code achieved the desired results, it made for designs that were perceived as restrictive and sterile. The community desired to enhance the visual character of the community and felt that signage played an important part. Bob Bengford, MAKERS, and Joe Tovar were hired in early 2014 to help update the code. The process and outcomes of updating the code provide tools and approaches that may be useful for many of Washington’s cities and counties."