Webster Baptist Church had asked the town for an amendment to its zoning ordinance to permit a permanent church sign with a lettering area of 4 feet by 8 feet. The 32 square feet exceeds the current ordinance allowing churches to have one permanent sign of up to 16 square feet. No opposition was voiced during a hearing on the ordinance amendment March 16. The older sign sits on the lawn next to the church. The large mobile sign in the parking lot, out of compliance with the zoning ordinance, must be removed by May 1, the board determined.
Churches are in the message business.
We are also in the community business. A larger sign will help publicize our message in the community. We feel like we're an asset to the community. Church Pastor Mike Dillinger said studies have shown that signs with changeable letters help improve the involvement and morale of the community. We just took too long in taking action.