Contentious Debate on Sign Codes Issues in Philadelphia

Vigorously debating sign brightness and aesthetics with a panel of experts, ISA participated in the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s (DVRPC) latest installment of its Strategies for Older Suburbs Roundtable Series, “Create More Effective Signs for Your Community.” Representing the sign and visual communication industry on the panel, ISA’s David Hickey presented information on the economic value of signs to a community and the importance of developing better sign codes for traditional and non-traditional signs. Joining Mr. Hickey were Mary Tracy from Scenic Philadelphia who presented her views on the negative impact of signs on the community and Amy Rees, a Wayfinding Consultant, who gave insight on what every community needs to know about wayfinding signage.

Attendees received copies of ISA’s Finding Common Ground publication, which answers common questions about Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) and provides information on how to properly and effectively regulate EMCs so that communities and businesses can benefit.

DVRPC represents nine counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and works to unite the region’s elected officials, planning professionals and the public with a common vision of making the region better.

ISA will be following up with area planners who participated to that they draft, enact and enforce reasonable sign codes. For more information, contact David Hickey.