Sign Ordinance

“The purpose of this chapter is to encourage the effective use of signs in the Town of Bethel and to provide for a healthy business climate while protecting the aesthetic environment of the Town. - Introduces the Bethel Sign Code

I strongly feel the Town of Bethel’s sign code needs amended, but I don’t believe OUR town of Bethel should pay an “expert”$10,000.00 to do it. Protecting the aesthetic environment of the Town is what choosing to live in Bethel is about.

At this time there is nothing in the code that refers to the use of a business’s windows. The code very clearly states “This chapter applies to all exterior and lighted interior signs in the Town of Bethel visible from the public way. “ The Bethel planning board has the ability to vote and say that window decals are considered signs and force you to remove them. The planning board and the town manager also have the ability to pick and choose which business’ they allow to have window decals and which cannot. I have been forced to remove expensive vinyl lettering that says “PIZZA” from inside my business windows, by a court order prepared by a lawyer in Portland.

As not only a small business owner but a long time resident of Bethel I am very dedicated to protecting the aesthetic environment of our town, but believe our town sign code should first be updated and then be made applicable to all parties.

Karen Saito

Homeslice PIZZA (the culprit)