Sign Code Amendment will Improve the Aesthetics of Brookhaven Roadways

Farmingville, NY – Councilwoman Connie Kepert received the full support of the Town Board for a code amendment that will simplify the sign code and help clean up our roadways, while providing business owners who utilize signs to advertise their products and services ample time to come into conformance with the new code. “There is an old saying that when every one shouts no one is heard. That is the case along many of Brookhaven corridors that are unfortunately littered with signs,” stated Councilwoman Kepert.

Councilwoman Kepert worked closely with the Town’s Law Department to review the code and identify problems and discrepancies within the code. Due to several code revisions the sign code was not uniform. Depending on which section of the code that is being interpreted, applicants seeking permission to install signs or legalize existing signs have been directed to go before the Board of Zoning Appeals or the Planning Board. These discrepancies made it overly complicated for those seeking permission to install signs as well as for Town staff to enforce the sign code.

These issues with the code resulted in the proliferation of illegal signs scattered throughout the town. “Instead of creating frustration and confusion, the code revisions have made the code easy to understand for those who want to get a sign permit. That will separate those who want to do the right thing from those who are in clear violation of the code.” stated Councilwoman Kepert.

Tom Talbot, the chair of Keep Brookhaven Beautiful, a town committee that organizes the Brookhaven’s annual clean-up, stated, “The expanded sign ordinance will create a ‘sense of place’ throughout the town. Its extended time line for implementation will minimize any financial hardships on business owners.”

The code revision is compassionate in that it includes an amortization period where any sign that does not conform will have until January 1, 2013 to come into compliance before a violation is written. We have also added a provision within the code that allows for a hardship application to be heard by the Board of Zoning Appeals.

“The amendments of this sign ordinance establish reasonable regulations for all signs. These amendments will protect the public from distracting signage and will serve to improve the aesthetics of our roadways. Brookhaven’s sign ordinance is also intended to serve the public’s need to be given helpful directions, and to be informed of available products, businesses, and services,” concluded Kepert.

Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6595 • Fax (631) 451-6258