The Planning and Zoning Commission is recommending the Town Council extend the sunset date in the town’s sign ordinance to allow A-frame signs and banners to be used through 2015.

Currently the rules allowing the signs expire Dec. 31. Without the extension the signs would be banned.

Commission members expressed disappointment that there remain significant violations of the rules, particularly as they relate to the A-frame signs.

However, the recommendation includes urging staff to increase enforcement and attempt to “flip” the compliance rate.

In a survey taken by staff in October it was found that 80 percent of the signs in use were in violation of some aspect of the ordinance.

Commission members want that turned around to an 80 percent compliance rate by next fall when the date will be considered again.

“I would recommend we extend this one more year and work hard on compliance,” Chairman Lloyd Pew said. “Renewal next year will be based on compliance.”

When the survey was taken the week of Oct. 20-25, there were 107 A-frame signs in use. Thirty of those had permits and 86 were in violation of one or more of the rules.

Senior Planner Bob Rodgers said the violations were varied and included signs on the sidewalk, in the street and left out overnight. Most common, however, was the lack of a permit.

In 2010 the council added a $5 permit provision to the ordinance giving businesses permission to use the signs.

To apply for a permit a business must provide a drawing of what the sign looks like and a rough diagram of where it will be placed.

Over the past five years the compliance rate for the A-frame use has never been better than 31 percent, and was as low as 9 percent in 2010.

The latest version of the sign regulations was approved in 2012 and at that time the sunset clause extended use for two years to 2014. The council will be considering one additional year if it agrees with the commission recommendation.

The council is scheduled to hold a public hearing and consider the extension Dec. 18.