Tolland Employing Temporary Sign 'Amnesty' Program for Back-to-School Shopping

TOLLAND, CT — The Tolland Planning & Zoning Commission has decided to try out an “amnesty program” for temporary business signs.

The test, announced Wednesday, will be over an 11-­day period with the idea that it could bolster back-to-school shopping, officials said. Normally, placing a temporary business sign on a property requires a zoning permit and the sign must meet zoning rules regarding its size, location, and the number of days it can be displayed.

During the amnesty period, from Aug. 25 to Sept. 5, businesses will be allowed to display a temporary sign without obtaining a permit, officials said.

The signs will have to be located on the same property as the business being advertised and not located within the state­ owned or town-­owned road rights-­of-­way, officials said. The sign will have to be no larger than 30 inches wide and 4 feet tall and must be removed by end of day on Monday, Sept. 5.

After Sept. 5, temporary sign regulations will be enforced again. If the amnesty period is successful, the Commission may consider holding another one in December.

For more information about what types of signs are allowed or to apply for a temporary sign permit at the end of the amnesty period, contact the Tolland Department of Planning and Development at 860­-871-­3601.