Signage in Matthews

Pylon Signs

What is a Pylon sign?

“A freestanding sign supported by one or more structures or poles that are placed on, or

anchored in, the ground or other surface and otherwise separated from the ground more

than 12 inches by air. They are generally over 5 feet in height, and are independent from any

building or other structure.”

Pylon Signs and Pole Signs are sometimes referred to as Road Side

Signs, Highway Signs, Freeway Signs, or small Billboards.

Why are they used?

For visibility on Highways from a distance, similar to a billboard for advertising purposes.

It is easier to plan a stop ahead of time. Independence Boulevard would be our local

example.

McDonalds was pressured on December 10th into taking their Pylon Sign down before

July 31st, 2014, an amortization of 19 months.

Mayor Taylor & I agree. This is what he said in the minutes of that meeting:

A lot of communities are getting rid of the large pylon signs and going to the monument signs. Every one of those communities are trying to make the areas look nicer. The McDonald’s on Sardis Road North & Monroe just went through a remodeling and does not have a pylon sign. Applebee’s has lowered their pylon sign and has a nice monument sign. It is in the best interest of the community to get rid of the large pylon signs.

Why is this? Let’s discuss our reasons…

Across the street from McDonalds is a Blockbuster Pylon Sign. What will/should be

done about that?

What’s the message that we are sending to business? If you grow or expand due to success, if you improve your business - you must conform? That is a punishment, not a reward for growing your business!

Yet, if they don’t make improvements, they are ‘grandfathered’ in. I’m afraid that this is the underlying message. We currently have no power/do not act unless they expand or make improvements.

We should want them to improve!

We have pylon signs all over town. At least 4 in the bottom right.

Shell at West John & 51

EXXON in the Heart of Town

Two in this picture…

RACK’EM’s new location

Do we want a Downtown that is not improving its Signage or Image?

We’ve made huge advances with the Branding and Way-finding.

Is Grandfathering a good or fair policy, or a policy of avoidance?

Do we want the Town of Matthews to have these forever?

What would be a fair solution going forward?

We have a pattern of promotingMonument Signs.

GROUND or MONUMENT SIGN – A freestanding sign which extends from the ground or is attached directly to the ground generally for the entire length of its bottom sign face dimension or which has a support which places the bottom of

the sign less than 12 inches from the ground.

I cannot find an Ordinance on Feather Signs, but do these add to the

Historic Core of Matthews?

We owe it to the Town of Matthews to take a position on

Pylon, Monument & Feather Signs.

Where are they permitted? How & When are they enforced?

Thank you for listening!