The Town of Coupeville will start the process of updating its outdated sign code next month.

“The sign ordinance has not been updated in — we don’t know (how long),” said Mayor Molly Hughes.

Years ago when the late Larry Cort was town planner, the staff went through the process of updating the ordinance, but it was never formally adopted, she said.

Since then, several new laws impacted sign regulations, including rules related to content. Cort was at one time using the revised but not adopted rules; when new planners came in, they reverted to what was formerly adopted, according to Hughes.

This caused some discrepancies and confusion, Hughes said.

“People feel so strongly about signs,” Hughes said. “(The current ordinance) is so old, I just think we need to go through the public process again. I want to give people a chance to provide input and see what we’re doing.”

The town is overdue to update the code. That came up in an audit several years ago, said Town Clerk Treasurer Kelly Beech.

A deadline was set for early this year, but staff has been able to get an extension until October with the Washington Cities Insurance Authority.

Hughes presented a timeline for the changes and how the town would involve the community in the process during a special work session last week.

Town Planner Tammy Baraconi in March will develop a new code to meet federal, state and local laws as well as standards for local design guidelines.  Between April and June, the drafts will be sent to the Coupeville Chamber and Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association for input. Town representatives will also attend meetings to encourage feedback.

Also, a draft will also be sent to Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve for review and comments.

It will be discussed and available for public comment during a town council meeting in July. Any revisions will be sent for additional legal review.

The code will go before the planning commissioner for a public hearing in August and approved by town council in September.